AIZAWL, Mizoram – Official border trade between Mizoram and Myanmar's Sagaing division has been suspended since Saturday following the destruction of a crucial suspension bridge over the Run River by the Myanmar Army.
The bridge, located in the Teddim township area, served as the main road link between Mizoram and Tahan town in Myanmar, a town predominantly inhabited by ethnic Mizos.
The destruction of the bridge has disrupted the flow of essential commodities, soft drinks, bread, electronic gadgets, and other goods that were being traded through the Zokhawthar border trade centre in eastern Mizoram's Champhai district.
While border villagers hope that trade will resume through an alternate route via Falam town, this route poses challenges due to its longer distance and difficult terrain.
This incident exacerbates an already tense situation in Mizoram. Last month alone, 1,430 Myanmarese nationals sought refuge in the state due to renewed clashes between the Myanmar Army and pro-democratic forces.
The total number of refugees who have entered Mizoram since February 2021 has now risen to approximately 36,000, many of whom belong to the Chin communities, who share ethnic ties with the Mizos. These refugees are currently residing in rented accommodations, with relatives, or in one of the 149 relief camps across seven districts of the state.
The escalating tensions have amplified existing concerns over the central government's decision to abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and fence the 510-km unfenced border between Mizoram and Myanmar.
Earlier protests in May against these measures highlighted local apprehensions about potential disruptions to ethnic ties and cross-border interactions. In February, Mizoram became the first Northeastern state to officially oppose the border fencing and withdrawal of the FMR through a state resolution.
