India suspends Arakan trade route for two months after death of truck driver in Paletwa

By Admin 17 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

17 February 2026, Paletwa, Chin State

The Indian government has suspended the India-Arakan trade route for two months following the death of an Indian truck driver in Paletwa Township, Chin State, according to local merchants.

The incident occurred on February 12, when an Indian driver delivering goods to Shinlatwa Village in Paletwa Township was found dead near the village.

Following the death, the Lawngtlai District Court ordered the closure of the trade route from February 16 to April 16, Arakanese traders said.

“The route is closed in both Lawngtlai and Siaha districts. We understand that negotiations are ongoing between the two sides. The decision to close the road was made by the Indian side in response to the driver’s death in Shinlatwa,” said an Arakanese merchant currently in Lawngtlai.

The deceased has been identified as 37-year-old Pu Lalremsanga from AOC Ward in Lawngtlai. He reportedly died while going to bathe on February 12, merchants said.

Mizoram Police have opened a murder case in connection with the death. Meanwhile, the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA), based in Lawngtlai, and the Mara Thyutlia Py (MTP) in Siaha District have issued statements demanding a complete halt to trade until the circumstances surrounding the death are clarified.

The India-Arakan trade route is a vital lifeline for Arakan State, and its sudden closure is expected to have significant consequences for the region. Hundreds of Arakanese merchants are currently stranded in Mizoram, with purchased goods stuck due to the blockade.

Traders warned that a prolonged closure would result in heavy losses for businesses and drive up commodity prices in Arakan State.

“We’ve heard the road is closed. If it remains shut for two months, prices will definitely skyrocket. While there isn't a shortage of goods yet, it’s inevitable if the supply chain is cut off. Scarcity will lead to higher prices,” said a female shopkeeper in Kyauktaw Township.

Arakan State, currently under a “four cuts” blockade imposed by the military regime, relies heavily on the India-Arakan trade route. The route is essential for importing basic food supplies, medicines, fuel and construction materials.