Myanmar Military Plane Crash-Lands in Mizoram After Overshooting Runway

In a dramatic incident near Aizawl, a small Myanmar military plane overshot the runway at Lengpui airport and crash-landed into a bush. Miraculously, all 14 occupants, including the pilot, escaped major harm. Eight suffered minor injuries and received treatment at a local health center, officials reported.

Rescue Mission Takes a Turn:

The ill-fated plane had arrived to retrieve 92 Myanmarese soldiers who sought refuge in India after skirmishes with an ethnic insurgent group. The soldiers had crossed into India the previous week, and the plane was tasked with repatriating them.

Details of the Crash:

Officials stated that the Myanmar air force Y-8 cargo plane overshot the tabletop runway, crash-landing into a nearby bush and causing damage to the fuselage. The injured passengers were promptly taken to Lengpui primary health center for medical attention.

Airport Closure and Flight Cancellations:

The runway has been temporarily closed, leading to the cancellation of all flights for the day. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into the incident, with hopes of restoring flight operations as soon as possible, especially for passengers with medical emergencies.

Background of Soldier Exodus:

Last week, 276 Myanmarese soldiers entered Mizoram, with 184 already repatriated on Monday. The remaining 92 soldiers were scheduled for evacuation in batches to Sittwe in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.

Ethnic Conflict and Soldier Refuge:

The soldiers had sought refuge in Mizoram after their camp was overrun by ‘Arakan Army’ fighters. Under the supervision of the Assam Rifles, they were temporarily stationed at Lunglei before the evacuation mission from Lengpui airport.

Increasing Exodus:

This incident adds to the escalating trend of Myanmar soldiers seeking refuge in Mizoram. Over the past few months, 635 soldiers have fled to the Indian state due to camps being overrun by ethnic armed organizations and pro-democratic forces.

Mizoram-Myanmar Border Dynamics:

Mizoram, sharing a 510-km-long border with Myanmar, continues to witness the complexities arising from the political and security situation across the border. The incident underscores the challenges and risks associated with handling such delicate cross-border situations.