25 May 2026 – The Farkawn Young Mizo Association (YMA) has accused the Chin National Army (CNA) of repeatedly violating agreements related to sand extraction from the Tio River along the India–Myanmar border.
According to local sources, Farkawn village in Mizoram State has long served as a major marketplace and supply route for the CNA. Following an initiative led by the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) several years ago, the Farkawn YMA prohibited the extraction of sand from the Tio River to protect local natural resources and the environment.
Despite the restriction, the CNA reportedly extracted sand from the river on 5 December 2025. After discussions between the two sides, leaders of the CNA and the Farkawn YMA reached an agreement on 7 December 2025 to halt further extraction activities.
However, local sources said the CNA resumed sand extraction in January 2026. In response, leaders from the Farkawn Joint YMA reportedly travelled to Camp Victoria and requested that no further sand be taken from the river. Another agreement was later signed between the CNA and Farkawn Joint YMA in March 2026.
Despite the repeated agreements, the CNA allegedly resumed sand extraction from the Tio River again on 19 May 2026, according to the YMA.
Following consultations with Group YMA and the Central YMA, Farkawn Branch YMA announced that it would block the transportation of commodities to Camp Victoria through Farkawn village.
Local sources added that YMA volunteers have begun conducting daily inspections of vehicles travelling along the route to enforce the blockade.
The restriction has raised concerns over potential disruptions to the movement of goods and supplies to the CNF/A headquarters as tensions continue over the environmental dispute. – Reporting by Ben
