ULA detains Arakanese merchants over Khaikhy dispute, moves to resolve issue

By Admin 18 Sep 2026

DMG Newsroom

18 September 2026, Kyauktaw

Members of the Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS) under the United League of Arakan (ULA) have detained Arakanese merchants involved in a border dispute at Khaikhy port along the India-Arakan trade corridor and are preparing to take disciplinary action against them, according to local sources.

The move follows a verbal dispute that erupted between local youths and Arakanese merchants at the Khaikhy border point along the trade route on September 14.

Ko Zaw Naing Linn from Zaleintaung Village in Kyauktaw Township and other individuals involved in the dispute have been detained. Authorities from both sides have held discussions, and the issue has now been resolved.

Following the incident along the trade route, the Arakan Army temporarily closed the Shinletwa-Khaikhy road section for three days.

The Mara Thyutlia Py (MTP) headquarters also issued a statement on September 16 announcing the temporary suspension of traffic along the Lodaw, Lungmasu, and Khaikhy routes in Siaha District, Mizoram State.

"Traders are currently using alternative routes. However, if a key trade route remains closed, the flow of goods will decrease and face delays. As it is an important route, negotiations are essential," said a male merchant from Kyauktaw Township.

Khaikhy village serves as a vital transit point along the India-Arakan trade corridor, where local youth association representatives from MTP-Khaikhy oversee and manage cargo boat departures bound for Arakan State.

With the ULA taking action regarding the Khaikhy incident, officials from both sides are in discussions to reopen the road, and merchants hope regular transport will resume soon.

"Traders who are currently in that area might be stranded. However, during the rainy season, goods can still travel via the Kaladan Project route, so there will not be a total shortage of supplies. If the route stays blocked, Mizoram local residents and truck drivers will also face livelihood difficulties," an Arakanese youth in Mizoram State said.

Disputes frequently arise along the India-Arakan trade corridor, leading to temporary route suspensions.

On February 12, the route was temporarily closed for a week after an Indian truck driver delivering goods was killed in Shinletwa, Paletwa Township.

Merchants emphasized that because the trade corridor is vital for Arakan State, every effort should be made to avoid such blockades and disruptions in the future.