Photo: RFA
On 19 April, the Assam Rifles closed the gate bridge connecting Mizoram State and the town of Rihkhawdar in Chin State along the India-Myanmar border trade route, under the instructions of the central government of India. This closure has halted regional trade and the movement of people in the area. Chin resistance forces have taken the border town under their control since November last year. 1
The Central Young Lai Association (CYLA), the largest and most powerful civil society group in Lawngtlai District of India’s Mizoram state comprised of local youths, on 16 April, warned the people against transporting diesel and other essential commodities to Myanmar. A businessman from Lawngtlai said this was because the supply of diesel and commodities to Myanmar caused shortages in their region. 2
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura stated during the press conference on 23 April that Thailand will not allow any military operations by either the Myanmar military or anti-regime groups on Thai soil. At its first meeting in Bangkok to address the Myanmar issue, the Thai government committee agreed to exercise sovereign authority, protect Thai citizens, not allow anti-Myanmar government activities on Thai soil, and deal impartially with all sides in line with human rights standards. 3
Thai authorities denied entry to 75 Myanmar nationals holding temporary border passes at Friendship Bridge 1 between Tachileik and Mae Sai along the Myanmar-Thailand border. 4
The U.S. State Department’s 2023 Human Rights Report, released on 23 April, stated that the human rights situation in Myanmar under the military junta has deteriorated further. The report noted that the junta is the main perpetrator of human rights violations, while also citing some violations by certain ethnic armed groups and People’s Defence Forces (PDFs). 5
1 Indian side closes Rihkhawdar border gate, halting trade
2 Powerful civil society in India’s Lawngtlai district warns against trading fuel and goods into Myanmar
3 Thai foreign ministry spokesperson says won’t allow military operations on Thai soil
4 Thailand denies entry of 75 Myanmar nationals with temporary border passes
5 US says human rights situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate