NAMPONG : The Border Haat at Pangsau Pass in Changlang district successfully conducted its trial run on July 20, marking the resumption of regulated cross-border trade following its reopening under the Arunachal Pradesh government’s order issued on June 8.

The Border Haat resumed operations in accordance with the prescribed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) after a series of coordination meetings held by the district administration and consultations with the Myanmar Bazaar Committee. Security arrangements were jointly coordinated by the 21 Assam Rifles, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Office at Nampong and the state police to ensure smooth and secure conduct of the event.

Ten registered vendors from Nampong participated in the trial run, offering a wide range of locally traded commodities, including groceries, vegetables, spices, pulses, biscuits, toiletries, slippers, noodles, cold drinks, mustard oil, potatoes, onions and stationery items. Five vendors from Myanmar also took part, selling vegetables, spices, groceries and other essential commodities.

The event drew encouraging public participation, with a total footfall of 379 visitors, including 249 from Myanmar (134 women and 115 men) and 130 from India (72 women and 58 men). The market remained open from 8:30 am to 2 pm.

The trial run was attended by Nampong MLA Laisam Simai, Jairampur Additional Deputy Commissioner, Colonel Amit Vijay Mane, Commanding Officer of 21 Assam Rifles, members of the Local Haat Management Committee, Zilla Parishad Members and other officials.

Officials said the successful trial run reflected the coordinated efforts of the district administration, security agencies and local stakeholders in facilitating regulated border trade while promoting livelihood opportunities and strengthening the longstanding economic ties between border communities of India and Myanmar.

The event was also covered by several local and regional media organisations, including Pratidin Live, NE Live and Gorkha Talks. (DIPR)