Border entry card issued by AA is not a passport, says U Khaing Thukha

By Admin 04 Sep 2025

DMG Newsroom

4 September 2025, Paletwa

The Arakan Army (AA) has been issuing border-crossing documents at checkpoints along the Paletwa-India frontier for local residents, primarily for security purposes.

Recent reports claimed that travelers from Arakan to India must obtain a "passport" from AA authorities at the Paletwa border. Clarifying this, AA spokesperson U Khaing Thukha said:

"What people are circulating online is not a passport. It is simply a document we issue for record-keeping and security monitoring, particularly for health and social purposes related to cross-border movements."

He added that the card was not intended for trade, but rather to facilitate humanitarian and emergency needs.

AA says the document is meant to ensure accountability and systematic records of cross-border activity.

An Indian trader also confirmed the card is not a passport, describing it instead as a temporary security measure:

"When traveling into India, the card helps prevent illegal crossings and ensures security. It is explained clearly at the issuing office that this is not a passport."

The cards, first issued in mid-August, allow local people to stay in India for up to one week. However, traders note they are not recognized inside Mizoram State, India. The cards do, however, facilitate re-entry into Paletwa upon return.

An Arakan trader described the situation:

"On the Indian side, security is very tight, particularly with the Assam Rifles at the border gate. When we tried to go, the gate was closed and we had to turn back. On return trips, inspections are also strict, and the journey itself is rough and time-consuming."

Since November 2023, the military junta has blocked the flow of goods into Arakan, forcing residents to rely heavily on supplies such as food, medicines, and fuel brought in through Mizoram's Lawngtlai district via the Paletwa route.

Arakanese also depend on India for social and health services. Previously, goods were transported to Arakan from Yangon and Mandalay via the Minbu-Ann-Sittwe, Pandaung-Taungup-Kyaukphyu, and Ayeyarwady-Ngathine Chaung-Gwa roads. Construction materials and machinery reached the state by sea through Sittwe Port.

With those regular trade routes blocked, essential commodities are increasingly scarce, and ordinary people are bearing the brunt of rising prices.