MYANMAR – Rih border trade gate on the India- Myanmar border that is under control of the Chin revolutionary forces was reportedly shut down by India on their side.
A local resident said that the gate was closed on July 25 to investigate the smuggling of betel nuts from Myanmar.
“They said that it was a temporary closure to investigate the smuggling. For now we can’t import nor export goods,” said the resident.
CNA led Chin Coalition Forces including CDF – Hualnggoram, PDA, CDF – Thantlang and CDF – Zanaitram attacked and captured two junta council bases in Rhikawda, Falam Township on November 13 and 14, 2023 then proceeded to capture Rhikawda, and important trade hub on the India-Myanmar border.
Before the military coup, trade at the Rhi border gate in the 2020-2021 fiscal year was valued at over 160 million USD but the trade value declined after the coup. Locals said that the official trade has been paused since April, 2022. According to a local, only products of Kalay and Chin Highlands are being traded to India.
Green groceries including betel nuts are imported from Myanmar to India via said border gate while clothes, medicine and food rations are imported from India to Myanmar.
Some entrepreneurs shared that the junta council could have told India which dates to close the gate and that India could be complying with that.
Although India claims to be a democratic state, it is one of the few countries that continue to maintain relationships with and help the terrorist junta council.
