Shortages grow more dire in Arakan as blockade of Mizoram-Paletwa trade route continues

By Admin 13 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
13 July 2024, Sittwe

It has been nearly three weeks since the Mizoram-based Central Young Lai Association (CYLA) on June 24 blockaded the overland trade route used to import goods from Lawngtlai in India’s Mizoram to Arakan State via Chin State’s Paletwa Township.

The CYLA imposed the blockade after it alleged that supplies imported through Paletwa were being directed to the Arakkha Army (AA), which is fighting ethnic Chin armed groups in Chin State.

The trade route running through Paletwa has been increasingly relied upon to import basic foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and fuel to Arakan State as Myanmar’s military regime has cut off the state’s trade with other parts of the country, including the commercial capital Yangon, since fighting between junta and AA troops broke out in November.

Prices have skyrocketed amid supply shortages in Arakan State.

“[After the regime blockaded the Myanmar routes], we only had this route to import goods. People are suffering from shortages of goods again. Prices have increased day by day after there were no new stocks. Things will only get worse,” said a merchant.

Since the CYLA blockade, the prices of a 20-litre cooking oil bottle have increased from 200,000 kyats to 260,000 kyats, a viss of onion from 10,000 kyats to 30,000 kyats, and a viss of garlic from 20,000 kyats to nearly 50,000 kyats.

Foodstuffs imported from India had been transported via Paletwa and Kyauktaw.

“We can’t buy any food. They have run out of stocks in Kyauktaw. Stocks will run out in the next few days in our village. We don’t know what to eat,” said a woman from northern Arakan State’s Buthidaung Township.

When India blocked the Mizoram route in April, citing security concerns, it also resulted in food shortages in Arakan State.

A merchant in Kyauktaw said: “We want the route to be reopened before people here face the worst-case scenario.”

Hundreds of traders from Arakan State remain trapped in Mizoram, and are facing threats to their safety and livelihoods. Food shortages are also taking a heavy toll on war-weary residents in Arakan State.