Hundreds stranded as Mizoram-Paletwa border road closes amid diarrhea outbreak

By Admin 15 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

15 November 2025, Paletwa, Chin State

Traders and travelers are reportedly stranded at the border after the Mizoram-Paletwa trade route was temporarily closed for a week due to diarrhea outbreaks in border villages.

Border authorities from both India and the Arakan Army (AA) closed the route from November 12 to 20 to control the ongoing outbreak.

Hundreds of travelers, including Arakanese merchants, have been left stuck with rising living and food expenses, high transportation costs and the risk of perishable goods spoiling, traders said.

"Some traders travelled from Lawngtlai to Arakan State without knowing the road was closed. After reaching the border, they had to turn back. Transportation costs are high. Over time, some raw materials, especially eggs, can be taken back to the shop, but others cannot, and traders will inevitably lose money," said one border trader.

Many people returning from medical treatment, including traders, are also stuck, and health concerns have increased as the area is prone to diarrhea.

"Before the road closure, I couldn't return to Arakan State because I was delayed by a day. It would be better if the road reopens within a week. Food and transport costs here are high. We don't know when the road will reopen, so I don't dare buy more supplies when I hear Arakan State is running out of stock," said another Arakanese trader.

The Paletwa-Mizoram route is the main corridor for essential goods entering Arakan State. Locals report rising prices as some merchants increase rates due to the disruption.

With traders trapped and the flow of goods from India halted, shortages are worsening and prices are soaring, residents said.

"As soon as the road was closed, goods became scarce and prices rose. Now we can't buy some food items, cigarettes or even eggs imported from India," said a grocery shop owner in Kyauktaw.

In villages on the Lawngtlai side where diarrhea is prevalent, entry and exit have also been restricted.

The Department of Public Health under the United League of Arakan (ULA) said around 300 diarrhea cases have been reported in the AA's Shinletwa rural area in northern Paletwa Township, Chin State, bordering Lawngtlai District.