Travelers report that at the checkpoint in Shinletwa Village in Paletwa Township controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), temporary border crossing permits are being issued.

Travelers say that the permit is being issued by the ULA’s (United League of Arakan) Bureau of External Affairs, Border Relations Office (India), and that anyone traveling from areas controlled by the Arakan Army to Mizoram, India, is required to obtain it. They report that the permits have been issued since last August and are valid for only one week, but it is unclear whether the government of Mizoram, India, officially recognizes or accepts them.

A trader from Kyauktaw Township, who frequently travels to Mizoram for business, told Border News Agency: “Everyone going to Mizoram has to get a permit from the Arakan Army. Recently, if you don’t get it, the army won’t allow you to go. The permit is valid for one week, but it’s still okay if it takes longer due to road closures.”

Those who have personally completed the temporary border-crossing permit say that it requires detailed information, including a photo, full name, gender, ethnicity, address, father’s name, date of birth, purpose of travel, detailed itinerary, and the duration of the trip.

Previously, people were able to travel freely to Mizoram without providing any documentation or information. However, since last August, it is reported that every traveler is now required to obtain a temporary border-crossing permit.

However, travelers criticize that the temporary border-crossing permit has become unnecessary for them, as the Mizoram government does not officially recognize or verify it.

The Arakan Army maintains full control over fifteen townships, including Paletwa, and operates administrative mechanisms as the governing body of the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government.

Travelers report that the Arakan Army controls the Arakan–India and Arakan–Bangladesh border areas, overseeing border crossings and cross-border trade, while maintaining strict security along the borders.