Border News Agency
Paletwa, September 4

The Arakan People’s Authority has issued warnings to those crossing the border into Mizoram State, India.

The public has been informed that in cases involving cross-border travelers such as scams and fraud, drivers colluding with others to overcharge, driving under the influence of drugs, urgent matters including medical or funeral emergencies, illegal extortion, market manipulation through forced purchases or leases from merchants, and other emergencies, they can report the incidents to the External Relations Bureau of the United League of Arakan (ULA) and the India Border Relations Office.

In addition, people have been warned not to use Myanmar currency on the Indian side, not to use, transport, or trade illegal drugs or mind-altering substances, and not to consume alcohol while in Mizoram State, India.

They were also urged to respect and comply with Indian laws, as well as the culture and traditions of India and its states. The announcement further reminded Arakanese travelers heading to India that they must obtain a temporary border crossing permit card before their journey.

It was also stated that proper preparations should be made in advance when purchasing goods in the neighboring country to ensure smooth transactions and to prevent fraud or scams.

The announcement also advised people to avoid making advance payments before receiving the goods, to minimize down payments as much as possible during transactions, and to keep proper documentation and photographic records when making full payments.

It further urged buyers to research shop owners or brokers in advance and record their details, including phone numbers, national ID, and permanent address, to prevent potential fraud or disputes.

The announcement further advised merchants to verify whether brokers are Indian citizens and whether they have proper, legitimate identification documents.
When hiring vehicles, merchants were urged to record key details such as the vehicle’s license plate number, vehicle registration, driver’s license, and take photos of the driver.

Additionally, merchants were reminded not to disrupt the market by paying more than the standard price when purchasing goods or renting vehicles, machinery, or boats. If such practices are found, they were encouraged to report them to the nearest office with proper evidence.

The announcement also urged merchants to carefully document any incidents of illegal extortion they encounter along transportation routes by recording the time, location, date, and photographic evidence, and to report the matter to the India Border Relations Office.

In addition, merchants were advised to stay informed about the current situation in the neighboring border areas and to share information with fellow Arakanese merchants.

The announcement also advised patients traveling to India for medical treatment to research hospitals and clinics in the city where they plan to receive treatment, arrange interpreters in advance before visiting the clinic, and inquire ahead about accommodations. It also recommended exchanging foreign currency in advance to ensure smooth transactions.

Additionally, patients were encouraged to support and assist one another and to keep the contact numbers of the India Border Relations Office on hand for emergency communication.

At checkpoints in Paletwa Township under the control of the Arakan Army, temporary border crossing permits for India are being issued by the External Relations Bureau and the India Border Relations Office of the United League of Arakan.

The Arakan Army fully controls 15 townships, including Paletwa, and has established administrative mechanisms to govern under the Arakan People’s Authority.

The AA also controls both the Arakan-India and Arakan-Bangladesh borders, overseeing cross-border movement and trade activities in those areas.