Aizawl: The official border trade between Mizoram and Myanmar's Sagaing division has come to a halt for the past two days due to the destruction of a crucial bridge by the Myanmar Army. The suspension bridge over the Run River in Teddim Township, which served as a vital link connecting Mizoram to Tahan town in Myanmar's Sagaing division, was reportedly blown up by Myanmar army personnel using explosives on Saturday.
The disruption has affected trade activities conducted through the Zokhawthar border trade center in eastern Mizoram's Champhai district. Essential commodities such as soft drinks, bread, various edibles, and electronic gadgets were among the goods regularly exchanged through this center.
Despite the setback, border villagers remain optimistic about the resumption of imports from Myanmar, albeit via the more challenging and longer route through Falam town. Tahan, situated in Myanmar's Kalaymyo district, holds significance for Mizos, many of whom migrated from India and joined the Myanmar army post-Burma's independence in 1948. The town boasts a predominantly Christian population, estimated at 99 percent.
Mizoram shares a 510 km unfenced border with Myanmar, facilitating both legal and illegal trade activities. Various trading organizations have been vocal in demanding infrastructure development at the Zokhawthar border trade center to enhance legal trade opportunities in the region.
Earlier this year, the Home Ministry ended the Free Movement Regime between India and Myanmar to ensure the "internal security of the country and to maintain the demographic structure of India's northeastern states bordering Myanmar."
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