The export route from Lawngtlai district, Mizoram, India, to Paletwa township western Myanmar, was reopened on June 12, the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA) in Mizoram announced.
Citing the security situation in the border area, India had indefinitely closed the trade route since May 25. The route was reopened two weeks after officials from CYLA and the United League of Arakan (ULA) met and discussed.
"With the situation along the route now stabilised and calm, and following constructive discussions with the ULA, border trade entry and exit have been allowed again starting June 12th at 6:00 pm”, CYLA stated.
Since clashes reignited in Rakhine State on November 13, 2023, the Junta has blocked land routes and waterways, leading to a shortage of medicines and basic foodstuffs in the region.
As a result, the Rakhine locals were forced have had to rely primarily on India's exports through Paletwa for food and other essential products.
With the closure of that route by India, the local populace in Rakhine State was confronted with the repercussions of product shortages and escalating prices again.
"Now that the Indian has reopened the trade route, it will significantly aid in the flow of goods and ensure food security in Rakhine State”, a trader from Kyauktaw township said.
Since the resurgence of clashes in Rakhine, the Junta has implemented its notorious 'Four-Cut' strategy, dealing a significant blow to the local socio-economic sector.
