If all these unfavorable atmospheres persist longer, the bulk of the Indo-Myanmar trade may shift to Mizoram, says BTCC-Moreh president V Shekhar
TFM Moreh Representative
Inconvenience and hardship being faced by traders and the general public while passing through Assam Rifles checkpoints at Khudengthabi and Tengnoupal was the main issue highlighted in a joint meeting at the Conference Hall of Hill Tribal Council, Moreh to discuss economic development, free movement of people and commodities, trade, etc. in Tengnoupal district.
Representatives of Moreh-based civil society organisations, traders’ bodies and transporters attended the meeting, chaired by Tribal Affairs & Hills Minister Letpao Haokip. Tengnoupal DC Ranjan Yumnam, Tengnoupal SP B Golianmang, Customs Preventive Force Moreh SP SK Gangte, Additional SP (Ops) Yumnam Premjit, DFO Tengnoupal Jeeceelee Leishangthem were present at the meeting convened by Tengnoupal district administration. 5 & 20 Assam Rifles were represented by Major Aman in the meeting.
All the representatives, who spoke in the meeting, expressed their wish for ensuring free and smooth movement of people and commodities on Imphal-Moreh highways.
Border Trade & Chamber of Commerce, Moreh (BTCC-Moreh) President V Shekhar said that traders have been facing many difficulties on account of the unwanted and unfavourable roles of the Assam Rifles. He alleged that almost all the goods are prohibited by Assam Rifles at Khudengthabi and Tengnoupal checkpoints. Besides, the AR also fixed maximum permissible quantities on some particular commodities. Even the goods being transported after paying GST are prevented at these checkpoints, he said.
Maintaining that border trade has been going quite smoothly in Mizoram, Shekhar said that despite having an Integrated Check-Post (ICP) at Moreh, traders are facing lots of hindrance in doing business legally. If all these unfavorable atmospheres persist longer, the bulk of the Indo-Myanmar trade may shift to Mizoram, he added.
He, however, appreciated the AR for apprehending many contraband drugs and weapons. “They should ensure smooth movement of consumer goods and unhindered passage to the public,” he added.
Pointing out that neighbouring countries of Myanmar like China and Thailand have resumed border trades on full scale, the trade bodies in Moreh town stressed the need to resume Indo-Myanmar border trade through Moreh in full swing at the earliest.