Lawngtlai : The Lawngtlai district administration in Mizoram has enforced stringent measures to curb the illegal trade of petrol and diesel, aimed primarily at preventing their unauthorized export to neighbouring countries, particularly Myanmar.

Lawngtlai district magistrate Cheemala Siva Gopal Reddy issued a prohibitory order under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), targeting black marketing and excessive purchase of fuel.

Under the new directive, the sale and purchase of petrol and diesel at prices higher than those fixed by oil companies are strictly prohibited. Additionally, individuals are barred from purchasing fuel in bulk using containers like gallons from filling stations.

The order, effective for two months, also prohibits the transportation and sale of fuel to Myanmar and other countries for commercial purposes within the district.  Violators of the order will face legal consequences under section 223 of the BNSS.

The move has garnered support from the central committee of the Young Lai Association (YLA), the largest civil society organization in Lawngtlai district of Mizoram. The YLA, which previously imposed an indefinite embargo on fuel exports to Myanmar starting June 24, has expressed satisfaction with the district administration’s decision.

They have affirmed their intention to continue the embargo and plan to engage in discussions with Mara Thyutlia Py (MTP), the Mara youth organization in neighbouring Siaha district of Mizoram, to resolve any disagreements regarding the embargo.

The YLA stated that illegal fuel exports not only exacerbate fuel shortages for local residents and developmental projects but also allegedly support insurgent activities in Rakhine state of Myanmar. This involvement allegedly fuels armed conflicts between different ethnic groups in Chin state of Myanmar.

The recent measures follow earlier restrictions imposed by the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA), including a ban on goods transportation to Myanmar due to ongoing conflicts involving the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar military forces in Rakhine and Chin states.

Although the initial import ban was lifted in June following improved conditions and discussions with the United League of Arakan (ULA), the political wing of AA, renewed hostilities prompted the reinstatement of the embargo on June 24.