Mizoram senator Pu K. Vanlalvena observed the progress of an India-financed infrastructure project and met with representatives from the Arakan Army (AA) during a recent visit to the India-Burma border, according to India-based media outlets.
On 29 February, the senator travelled to the India-Burma border to observe the construction of the Paletwa–Zorinpui highway which connects Paletwa Township of Chin state and Mizoram State of India as part of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport project.
Senator Pu K. Vanlalvena also met with AA officials at an undisclosed location along the India-Burma border, according to reporting from the All India Radio News.
The senator expressed to AA representatives his desire to see the road construction completed as soon as possible, highlighted the mutual benefits of the highway, and requested that AA officials ensure the safety of the construction company and construction workers.
The AA officials replied that they would not disturb construction workers or the road construction project, and promised to provide security for construction workers in the area.
Khonumthung News was unable to independently verify what was discussed at the meeting.
Senator Pu K. Vanlalvena also met with the deputy manager of IRCON International, the Indian state-owned company contracted to build the Paletwa–Zorinpui highway, as well as representatives from sub-contractor companies. The senator urged the construction companies to finish the construction project on time.
The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport project has operated under the instruction of India’s foreign ministry.
There are four phases in this project: the construction of a seaport in Sittwe town; the dredging of a 158-kilometer long stretch of the Kaladan river between Sittwe town and Paletwa town; the construction of a 106-mile long highway between Paletwa and Zorinpui; and the construction of a 94-kilometer long highway between Zorinpui and Lawngtlai town. The project is currently implementing phase 3 and phase 4.