Losses mount as Arakan merchants remain stranded in Mizoram

By Admin 05 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
5 July 2024, Sittwe

Hundreds of merchants from Arakan State have been stranded for 10 days along the road from Lawngtlai in India’s Mizoram to Chin State’s Paletwa Township.

The Mizoram-based Central Young Lai Association (CYLA) on June 24 blockaded the overland trade route used to import goods from Lawngtlai in Mizoram to Arakan State via Paletwa Township.

The association on June 30 allowed trapped merchants to return to Arakan State, but barred them from taking goods along with them.

One merchant from Ponnagyun Township who is stranded in Mizoram said merchants could not return as Indian sellers refused to pay cash down to buy back goods from Arakan State merchants.

“Merchants are at a loss. We trade in this difficult period not because we have extra money, but just to make a living. We will suffer huge losses if we can’t bring back those goods,” he said.

The CYLA said the supplies were meant to provide for the basic needs of the Arakanese people, but claimed that the Arakkha Army (AA) was instead using them to fight ethnic Chin armed groups.

Traders said they have incurred substantial costs after being stranded in Lawngtlai for 10 days.

“Costs are high here and merchants have incurred significant expenses. Some goods we are hauling are basic foodstuffs and they can’t get wet. We will suffer huge losses if they are damaged,” said the Ponnagyun Township merchant.

The Mara Youth Association has been negotiating with the CYLA to lift the trade ban, according to merchants.

The Myanmar military has blockaded roads and waterways in Arakan State since the AA launched an offensive against the junta on November 13, leading to shortages of food, pharmaceuticals and other vital goods.

The Mizoram-Chin-Arakan trade route has been in use since the AA seized Paletwa Township in January.

The route was blocked for the first time on May 25, and was reopened on June 12.