Clash Erupts Over Cross-Border Trade in Mizoram

Conflict Between Traders and Volunteers in Mizoram

Aizawl, Sept 16: On Monday, a confrontation occurred between traders and transporters from Myanmar's Rakhine state and volunteers from the Mara Thyutlia Py near Khaikhy village in the Siaha district of south Mizoram. The altercation escalated to the point where the volunteers' duty post was set ablaze. This conflict reportedly stemmed from issues related to the transportation of goods across the Salalui river.

The incident unfolded along the riverbank adjacent to Khaikhy, a crucial transit point for goods moving between south Mizoram and Rakhine. Tensions flared when Rakhine traders expressed their frustrations about the insufficient capacity to transport goods via boats from the Indian side to Myanmar.

Reports indicate that the traders and boat operators confronted the Mara volunteers overseeing the duty post responsible for managing the flow of goods in the region. A heated exchange ensued as the traders insisted on the availability of commodities for transport across the river.

In an effort to de-escalate the situation, the volunteers vacated the post, which led to the traders vandalizing the area and igniting a fire.

Members of the Mara Thyutlia Py claimed that important documents, including registers listing boat operators and financial records, were destroyed during the incident. They also reported that approximately Rs 10,000 in cash went missing.

The news of the clash prompted local youth from Lopu village to rush to Khaikhy, and personnel from the Assam Rifles stationed in Lopu also responded to the situation, leading to the withdrawal of the Rakhine traders and transporters.

In response to the incident, leaders from the Mara Thyutlia Py in Siaha dispatched a team from their Phura sub-headquarters to Khaikhy on Tuesday for an on-site evaluation. This team is expected to compile a report for the headquarters, which will determine the next steps.

Khaikhy has become a focal point for unregulated cross-border trade between south Mizoram and Rakhine state. Goods from India are frequently transported across the Salalui river to Salachhuah village in Rakhine, with some items reportedly reaching the Chin state as well.

Local sources indicate that over 100 trucks deliver goods to Khaikhy daily, while more than 100 boats are actively involved in transporting these commodities across the river.

Residents have alleged that the Arakan Army, which operates in Rakhine, Paletwa, and nearby regions of southern Chin, is also engaged in this profitable cross-border trade.