Customs seize 7 lakh Kyats

Aizawl, Jun 14 : Mizoram customs officials posted at Zokhawthar on the Indo-Myanmar border seized seven lakh Myanmar Kyats (currency) from five Myanmarese yesterday.

Reports said enraged by the seizure of Myanmar Kyats, Rihkhawdar (inside Myanmar) police O C Tanswei blocked all kinds of goods from entering India which has adversely affected Champai district market.

Zokhawthar village council held a meeting today in a desperate attempt to bring the Indo-Myanmar trade to normal, in view of the fact that the border village would be worst hit if the stoppage of foreign goods continue.

Reports quoting Rihkhawdar OC said since a stretch of 40 kms on both the sides of the border is a free zone, seizure of Myanmar Kyats at the border by Customs department is against the rules.

Champhai deputy commissioner Lallungmuana also called a meeting today which was attended by Custom superintendent Alagiri Swamy to bring the situation to normal.

Only a few weeks back, Myanmar traders had put a brake on foreign goods entering Mizoram in protest against the establishment of new Taxation department checkgate at the border.

The trade had however been resumed until this new incident.

UNI