Mizoram-Paletwa border road closed for one week amid diarrhea outbreak

By Admin 14 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

14 November 2025, Paletwa, Chin State

The Paletwa border route, which connects India's Mizoram state with Arakan State, has been temporarily closed for a week to curb a spreading diarrhea outbreak.

Authorities on both sides closed the crossing from 12 to 20 November. In India, Lawngtlai District issued an order on 12 November advising people to avoid gatherings and affected areas. The Laungmasu Road in Siaha District has also been closed since 14 November.

"Currently, border trade routes have been closed for a week. The main routes used by merchants have been blocked since 13 November. I heard that the Shinletwa-Laungmasu road in Siaha District was also closed yesterday," said a local resident.

The outbreak began in the Indian border villages of Kaki, Twee Tin, and Long Tin in Lawngtlai District, which borders Paletwa District.

According to the Department of Public Health under the United League of Arakan, around 300 people, including traders from northern Paletwa's Shinletwa area, have been infected.

Many traders are reportedly stranded due to the blockade, struggling to find food and shelter. Some of those trapped returned to Arakan State after receiving medical treatment in India.

"The traders stuck at the border are having a hard time finding a place to live. They are also struggling to store their goods. It is unsafe because the areas are affected by diarrhea. Access to food and drink is limited," the local man added.

Nearly 30 trucks are currently stranded on the Shinletwa-Laungmasu road, leaving passengers without adequate food and accommodation.

The Paletwa-Mizoram route is the main corridor for essential goods into Arakan State. Locals report price hikes as some merchants sell items at higher rates due to the road closures.

"The prices of some everyday items have increased. With border trade routes closed, traders are raising prices. Roads being blocked for various reasons has made commodity prices unstable," said a Kyauktaw resident.

Grocery owners confirmed that prices of basic food items, such as Tigre cooking oil and Indian-imported cooking oil, have risen slightly. Prices of tobacco, tea, and coffee have also increased.

Since November 2023, the military regime has blocked all land and sea routes to Arakan State, restricting trade of essential goods-including food and medicine-through India and Bangladesh.

The outbreak of infectious diarrhea in Lawngtlai District, Mizoram, has been reported as severe, with several deaths confirmed.