ULA/AA signs border trade pact with Mizoram transport association

By Admin 03 Nov 2026

DMG Newsroom

3 November 2026, Kyauktaw

The United League of Arakan and its armed wing, the Arakan Army (ULA/AA), have signed an agreement with a transport association in India's Mizoram State to improve cross-border trade and address disputes affecting the movement of essential goods into Arakan (Rakhine State) and southern Chin State.

According to an October 31 report by The Times of India, representatives of the ULA/AA and the Siaha district branch of the Mizoram Commercial Vehicles Owners Association (MCVOA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Press Club in Siaha on October 29.

The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in informal trade along the southern Mizoram–Myanmar border by addressing transport charges, operational difficulties and disputes between traders and transport operators.

Both sides discussed setting uniform and reasonable rates for hiring vehicles and boats operating around Ralie and Salachhuah villages on the Myanmar side of the border, where goods are transported across the Lopu River.

They also agreed that border trade gates at the two locations would remain open until 8 p.m. daily, according to the Indian newspaper.

The meeting was chaired by K. Hmangaihliana, president of MCVOA's Siaha district branch.

Association representatives urged the ULA/AA to work with traders from Siaha district, saying closer cooperation would improve safety and benefit both sides.

The agreement follows a September dispute that temporarily disrupted trade between southern Mizoram and areas of Myanmar under ULA/AA administration.

On September 16, the Mara Thyutlia Py (MTP), a prominent civil society organisation in Siaha district, imposed an indefinite suspension of informal border trade following a confrontation between Myanmar traders and MTP volunteers at Khaikhy village on September 14.

The restrictions were lifted on September 24 after discussions between MTP leaders and ULA/AA representatives.

The disruption highlighted the vulnerability of cross-border supply routes serving Arakan and southern Chin State, where armed conflict and transport restrictions have limited access to goods from other parts of Myanmar.

Southern Mizoram has become an important source of essential commodities, including fuel, for communities in these areas.

Cross-border trade through Mizoram has gained importance since the AA captured Paletwa Township in January 2024, providing alternative supply routes into Arakan amid continuing restrictions on conventional transport corridors.

However, informal trade remains vulnerable to local disputes, security concerns and temporary closures.

The latest agreement could improve coordination between transport operators and ULA/AA authorities, although its implementation and impact on transport costs remain uncertain.

The report did not indicate whether the arrangement had received formal approval from Indian or Myanmar government authorities.