Lawngtlai admin seals border along Myanmar after local’s death days ago

Aizawl: Lawngtlai district magistrate Donny Lalruatsanga on Monday ordered the sealing of the Myanmar border with immediate effect, banning the entry of foreigners into Mizoram without valid travel documents and official permission until further notice.

In his order, Lalruatsanga said the decision was taken in view of several unwanted incidents linked to trading activities along the border, including the recent death of an Indian national inside Myanmar.


The directive not only prohibits foreigners from entering Lawngtlai district but also bans crossing the international border from Lawngtlai, engaging in cross-border business activities, and exporting goods by vehicles, including those from outside the district.

The Central Young Lai Association (CYLA), the largest civil society organisation in Lawngtlai, already issued a diktat on Sunday evening banning border crossings from both sides following the death of 37-year-old Lalramsanga, a resident of Lawngtlai, while inside Myanmar.

Earlier in the day, the deputy commissioner, SP and CYLA president jointly addressed a press briefing at the DC’s office. The DC talked about the ongoing actions in connection with a local resident, Lalramsanga’s death, assuring that although the perpetrators are reportedly foreigners, steps will be taken to bring them to justice.

According to reports, Lalramsanga and his companion left on Feb 11 to deliver goods to Salachhuah in Myanmar. He went missing on the night of Feb 12, and his body was recovered on Sunday at around 3pm between Salachhuah and the border river Chhimtuipui.

The district SP said an FIR has been filed, a murder case registered, and the investigation transferred to Phura police station in Siaha district.

He added that efforts are underway to identify and punish those responsible, acknowledging the cooperation of CYLA and the Mara youth organisation, Mara Thyutlia Pi (MTP).

CYLA president F Lalrothanga said since Lalramsanga’s disappearance, all possible efforts were made, including communication with the Arakan Army (AA), an insurgent outfit based in Myanmar’s Rakhine state and active in southern Chin state. He said CYLA will continue to support the district administration’s initiatives and take firm action.