Mizoram Trade Dispute Turns Violent at Myanmar Border

Aizawl: Tensions boiled over Monday at the Mizoram border. Traders from Myanmar’s Rakhine state clashed with Mara Thutulia Py volunteers near Khaikhy village in Siaha district. The fight centered on the Salaluli river. This waterway serves as the primary artery for unregulated trade between India and Myanmar.

Rakhine boat operators grew frustrated. They claimed they could not haul enough goods from the Indian side. They confronted volunteers at a local duty post meant to oversee transport logistics. The volunteers retreated to keep the peace. The traders turned violent. They vandalized the structure and set it on fire.

Mara Thutulia Py officials claim the damage went beyond arson. They reported missing ledgers and destroyed account books. "They further alleged that about Rs 10,000 in cash was missing after the incident." Youth from Lopu village sprinted to the scene to intervene. Assam Rifles troops arrived shortly after. The Rakhine traders fled the area.

Khaikhy is now a major center for illicit commerce. Over 100 trucks deliver goods to the village every single day. More than 100 boats ferry supplies across the river toward Salachhuah and Chin state. Locals believe the Arakan Army maintains a grip on this trade. A team from the Mara Thutulia Py Phura sub-headquarters is investigating the site to determine the next steps.