India-Paletwa trade route closed until November 24 amid diarrhea outbreak

By Admin 19 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

19 November 2025, Paletwa, Chin State

The India-Paletwa trade route has been closed to all cross-border travel from the Indian side until November 24 due to an ongoing diarrhea outbreak along the border.

Authorities in India shut the route from November 18 to 24 following a surge of diarrhea cases in Mizoram State's Lawngtlai and Siaha districts, which border Paletwa.

"The India-Paletwa trade route is closed until November 24. Many traders are also stuck on the route. Traders have been in the border villages for about 10 days. Those who are still on the way are facing a lot of difficulties," said an Arakanese merchant in Lawngtlai.

All border crossings at Khakee, Tweeting and Longting villages in Lawngtlai District, and Laungmasu Village in Siaha District, were closed by authorities from November 12 to 20 due to the outbreak.

Entry and exit to Tokalo, Laungmasu, Laungpu and Khaingkhee villages in Siaha District will be further restricted from November 18 to 24.

"Hundreds of traders are stuck. Trucks are loaded with goods, so everyone is suffering," the merchant added.

The highly contagious diarrhea outbreak originated in Khakee, Tweeting and Longting villages in Lawngtlai District and has resulted in deaths due to the severity of the disease.

Traders said hundreds of traders and trucks remain stuck in border villages due to the road blockade, and many are struggling to access food, clothing and shelter.

"If the India-Paletwa trade route remains closed for many more days, both the traders and the locals here will suffer greatly. The trapped traders will not make any profit and will be at a loss. Consumers will also suffer from shortages and price increases - both sides will suffer," said an Arakanese trader.

Arakan State residents trade with India through the Mizoram-Paletwa route, a key corridor for essential goods in the region.

Locals say shortages of some goods and rising prices have already been reported due to the blockade.