The Mizoram government has ordered a temporary two-month closure of the India–Myanmar border trade route starting 16 February, citing significant security concerns.
The decision, issued by the Lawngtlai District magistrate, follows the death of Lalramsanga, a 37-year-old driver from Mizoram who was found dead in Shin Letwa village, located in Myanmar’s Paletwa Township.
The suspension halts all border crossings and cargo transportation, effectively cutting off a vital supply line for essential goods.
“There is nothing we can do when the road is closed. We can only sit and wait,” a trader in Mizoram told Mizzima, urging authorities to reopen the route as soon as possible. “If the road reopens sooner rather than later, it will be convenient for everyone,” he said.
Local traders have voiced immediate concern over the impact of the closure, warning of imminent supply shortages and price hikes in Myanmar’s Chin and Rakhine States.
Perishable goods, including potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, are already at risk of spoilage, while shipments of dry goods, fuel, and rice remain stranded at the border.
“Both sides will be affected,” a trader in Mizoram told Mizzima.
Goods are transported by road from Lawngtlai in Mizoram directly to Shinletwa, while during the rainy season they are shipped by waterways, including through Khaki, before continuing on to Kyauktaw in Rakhine State.
The order states that all cross-border movement and the import of goods are prohibited, warning that violations will be prosecuted under Section 233 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Mizoram police said an investigation into the death is underway and that action will be taken against those responsible. Similar incidents in previous years have also prompted the temporary suspension of cross-border trade routes.
Local traders are urging authorities to reopen the border trade route promptly, despite ongoing security concerns.
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