Nampong (Agency): The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted trading activities at Pangsau Pass along the India-Myanmar border, leaving over 100 small traders, including Khingwom Mossang, struggling for income. Two years after the halt in border trade, traders are urging the government to resume operations and help them regain their livelihoods.
For Khingwom Mossang and her husband, the sudden halt in trading activities at Pangsau Pass had a significant impact on their family’s well-being. They are now finding it challenging to meet their daily necessities. Before the pandemic, they earned an average of Rs 1-1.5 lakh per month from trading activities.
Similarly, other traders like Tenya Mossang and Wichak Morang have also been affected. Tenya used to earn an average of Rs 40,000 monthly through border trade but is now struggling to make ends meet. Wichak, who earned Rs 20,000 per month selling bakery products and vegetables, is now working as a daily wage earner due to the suspended trade activities.
Border trade between India and Myanmar dates back to before Independence, with an agreement exempting hill tribes within 40 km of the border from passport requirements for trade purposes. Border haats were established in 2012 to facilitate trade, but these activities were suspended due to the pandemic in 2020.
Local traders have been advocating for the resumption of border trade as it played a vital role in their livelihoods. While concerns about security have been raised, local legislator Laisam Simai believes that resuming border trade is essential for the state’s economic well-being and aligns with the Act East Policy.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu and the director general of Assam Rifles have expressed their commitment to address the issue and work towards the resumption of border trade. Traders are hopeful that their plea will lead to positive outcomes and the restoration of their trading activities.