Plan reportedly in works for India-supplied electricity to Chin, Arakan 

By Admin 14 Sep 2024

DMG Newsroom
14 September 2024, Paletwa, Chin State

A local media outlet in Chin State, citing a statement issued by the Mizoram state government, has reported that India is attempting to provide electricity from Paletwa in Chin State to the Arakan State capital Sittwe.

Pu B Shyam, joint secretary for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, was quoted by Khonumthung Media Group as saying so during a meeting with the Mizoram state government minister of power and electricity Pu F. Rodingliana on September 12.

“An electricity supply project reflects the needs of Arakan State. Not only Arakan State but also India needs electricity for the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport project,” said U Pe Than, a political analyst and former Arakan State lawmaker. “This programme is really good and welcome work. This electricity project is a project that will benefit both India and Arakan State, so the relationship between the two sides will be good.”

U Pe Than continued that India’s electricity supply to Arakan State would have to go through areas controlled by the Arakkha Army (AA), so that it might only be possible to make such an announcement officially after the two sides have discussed it.

Electricity has been cut off in some parts of Arakan State for almost 10 months due to fighting between Myanmar’s military regime and the AA. Many local jobs that depend on electricity have functionally ceased to exist since the power was cut.  

“We must take this opportunity,” U Pe Than said. “If electricity and communication lines can be provided, then the Myanmar military will not be able to preempt the opportunity to get help and opportunities from neighbouring countries, no matter how much the Myanmar military blocks Arakan State.”

In Arakan State, basic public services such as electricity, and mobile phone and internet access, are currently dependent on mainland Myanmar. Residents in Arakan State believe that if electricity comes from India, it can contribute significantly to the state’s development.

“The development of a country or a region is measured by the quality of water, electricity, and transportation [provision]. If we get electricity, we will be able to resume factories and industries in Arakan State, and it will be really important for the expansion of businesses,” said Maung Tun Kyaing, a local man in Kyauktaw.

The India-funded Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport project in Arakan State has been halted due to the military conflict, while the AA claims that it will fully protect international investment projects in Arakan State.

The AA has seized Paletwa, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Pauktaw and Ponnagyun townships, which the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport project passes through. Meanwhile Sittwe, where the India-funded port is located, has been surrounded by AA forces.