The anticipated
repatriation of 29 Myanmar Army soldiers, who surrendered on November 16 has
been delayed due to adverse weather conditions in Mizoram.
The soldiers, who
had engaged in a four-hour gun fight with the People’s Army CNDF near the
Mizoram border, were expected to return to Myanmar today.
Sources report
that the Indian Air Force or IAF chopper scheduled for the repatriation could
not land in Mizoram due to relentless rain, creating an unforeseen setback in
the agreed-upon timeline.
The surrender
occurred after a fierce clash between the Myanmar Army and CNDF forces in the
Tuibual area, merely 13 km from the Mizoram border.
The confrontation,
which transpired on November 15, resulted in two Myanmar soldiers losing their
lives and three others sustaining minor injuries from CNDF forces.
Following intense
negotiations between CNDF leaders and the Myanmar Military, an agreement was
reached, compelling the 29 soldiers to surrender.
Originally set for
November 15 in Saikhumphai, Mizoram, the process faced delays due to
navigational challenges.
The troops
eventually arrived in Saikhumphai at 2:15 p.m. on November 16, complying with
the agreement by relinquishing their arms to the Mizoram Police. Guns,
ammunition, and bombs were among the items surrendered by the Myanmar soldiers.
A warm welcome was
extended by Mizoram Police, along with the Vaphai Village Council and Vaphai
Branch Young Mizo Association, to the surrendered soldiers. Subsequently, the
soldiers were handed over to the Assam Rifles for further processing.
Agency
