India is mulling to open border haats with Myanmar through Myanmar.
The success of the border haats with Bangladesh in Tripura and Meghalaya has encouraged similar initiatives.
Also read: Two more border haats to be set up in Tripura sub-divisions
The Centre in coordination with the Mizoram government is likely to set up four ‘border haats’ along the border with Myanmar to boost local trade and offer employement opportunities to the indigenous people residing in border areas.
Also read: India and Bangladesh to have six more border haats
Four places, according to Mizoram Government sources, have been identified to set up the border haats.
These places are Hnahlan, Zote, Vaphai (Saikhumphai) and Sangau (Pangkhua) in southeastern Mizoram.
It is learnt that the State Government has sent the detailed proposals in this regard to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for its approval.
Also read: Two Indo-Bangla border haats to be operational in Meghalaya
Notably, officials of the Mizoram government and Myanmar have recently conducted a joint survey and identified the locations to set up the border haats.
Notably, Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga in his Independence Day speech had said that the proposed border haats would become strategic trade points between India and Myanmar.
Meanwhile, the Land Custom Station (LCS) at Zokhawthar, the only trade route for Mizoram with South East Asian countries, will also be upgraded soon.
Notably, construction of Trade Facilitation Centre at Tlabung has already been completed.
There is also a proposal for construction of Integrated Check Post (ICP) at four places along the border in Mizoram.
These places are Marpara, Tuipuibari, Silsuri and Nunsury.
The construction of ICP at Kawrpuichhuah is also expected to commence shortly, the chief minister had said in his speech.
Mizoram has an unfenced international border of 404 km with Myanmar and 318 km with Bangladesh.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has been guarding the Bangladesh border and Assam Rifles personnel are posted on the border with Myanmar.