Siaha border gate reopens for India–Arakan trade while Lawngtlai remains closed

By Admin 18 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

18 February 2026, Paletwa, Chin State

The border trade route between India and Arakan State has officially reopened in Mizoram’s Siaha District, according to a statement by the Mara Thyutlia Py (MTP), a local youth organization based in the district.

The border gate in Siaha District, which had been closed following the death of an Indian national, reopened on the afternoon of February 17. Arakanese traders have reportedly resumed commercial activities through the route.

“Lawngtlai remains closed. Since those coming from Aizawl have to pass through Lawngtlai, trade from that direction is still stalled. Currently, only Siaha District is open for trade. Authorities are continuing to negotiate the situation,” an Arakanese trader based in India told DMG.

The trade suspension followed the death of an Indian driver near Shinlatwa Village in Paletwa Township on February 12 while he was delivering goods to the area.

Following the incident, the Lawngtlai District Court ordered the closure of the India–Arakan trade route for two months, from February 16 to April 16.

The Central Young Lai Association (CYLA) in Lawngtlai and the MTP in Siaha had initially called for a complete halt to trade until the circumstances surrounding the driver’s death were clarified. However, authorities in Siaha District reopened the border gate on February 17.

“Lawngtlai is still blocked. Only Siaha is accessible for now. Traders in Lawngtlai and Aizawl remain unable to transport their goods. We hope all trade routes will fully reopen as soon as possible,” another Arakanese trader in India said.

The prolonged closure of key trade routes has led to a slight increase in commodity prices in several townships across Arakan State.

Since the military council blocked major supply routes and transport links in Arakan State following its offensive to seize towns in late 2023, residents and traders have relied heavily on India’s Mizoram State for essential goods and cross-border trade.