Military Regains Full Control of Kalewa–Yagyi–Monywa Road, Reopens Key India–Myanmar Trade Route

Myanmar military columns have reportedly regained full control of the Kalewa–Yagyi–Monywa road section, a vital transportation corridor linking the Tamu–Kalay border trade route with central Myanmar, and officially reopened it on July 7 after more than a month of operations.

According to reports, military units began efforts on June 2 to restore control over the route, which had been temporarily occupied by what authorities described as terrorist insurgent groups. The road serves as a crucial link for trade between India and Myanmar, connecting the Tamu–Kalay border trade route through Kalewa and Monywa to Mandalay in central Myanmar.

To secure and reopen the corridor, military columns carried out territorial security operations in stages after making the necessary preparations. They successively regained control of various villages and strategic locations along the route, including Yelaykyun Village on June 2, Kyauklonegyi Taysu Village on June 3, Chaungma and Aung Mingalar villages on June 6, Thit Yar Pin Junction on June 7, Thit Yar Pin Village on June 8, Winkone Village on June 9, Nyaungpinle Village on June 11, Yagyi Village on June 13, Kwunpinye and Lapo villages on June 15 and June 18 respectively, Sithlin Chaung Village on June 21, and Htonegyi Village on June 22.

After reaching Kyaw Village on June 23, troops reportedly cooperated with local security forces to clear landmines planted by insurgent groups along the road between Lapo and Kyaw villages to ensure the safe movement of local residents.

Security operations continued, with military columns regaining control of Myayni Village on July 1, Sittpintha Village on July 2, Mile 100 Taysu Village on July 3, and Theikyan Taysu Village on July 6. On the evening of July 7, they linked up with security personnel stationed in Kalewa, thereby restoring control over the entire Kalewa–Yagyi–Monywa transportation corridor.

With the route reopened, road access has reportedly been restored between Kalewa and Kalay, Falam, Hakha, and Thantlang in Chin State, as well as from Kalewa through Kalay, Tedim, Tonzang, and Khaikam. The corridor also reconnects Kalewa with Monywa, Myinmu, Sagaing, and Mandalay, allowing cargo trucks and civilian travelers to resume normal transit.

Authorities said the reopening of the route will also facilitate smoother trade flows between India and Myanmar and improve regional transportation and logistics.

Military columns arriving in Kalewa on July 7 were reportedly welcomed by local officials and residents with flowers and garlands.

During the operations, military forces reportedly engaged in clashes with insurgent alliance groups. Authorities stated that they seized insurgent bodies, weapons, ammunition, military-related equipment, and villages that had allegedly been used as insurgent bases. The insurgent groups were said to have retreated after sustaining significant casualties.

The Kalewa–Yagyi–Monywa road is approximately 115 miles long and is a paved asphalt route. It directly connects the Tamu–Kalay border trade corridor, one of the most important trade routes between India and Myanmar, with the Monywa–Mandalay highway, making it a faster and more efficient route for transporting goods.

According to the report, insurgent groups had occupied villages along the route, allegedly intimidating local residents, establishing bases, and conducting disruptive activities that blocked transportation links. As a result, trade flows were interrupted, commodity prices rose, local products became difficult to market, and communities experienced economic hardships due to delays in the movement of goods.

Authorities also accused the groups of extorting money from cargo trucks and passenger vehicles, carrying out kidnappings, killings, vehicle arson attacks, illegal extraction of timber and natural resources, and smuggling restricted goods for personal gain. These activities reportedly caused significant losses in state tax revenues and contributed to insecurity among local residents.

Military officials stated that the full restoration of the Kalewa–Yagyi–Monywa corridor will help accelerate regional trade and transportation, promote economic development in areas dependent on the route, and significantly reduce travel time between Kalay and Monywa.

The report added that local residents are expected to regain safer living conditions and resume their businesses, while education, healthcare, and socio-economic development activities can gradually return to normal.

Military units are continuing efforts to remove landmines planted along the route and in nearby villages and are working with local communities to repair roads and bridges damaged during the conflict. Security operations will also continue to ensure the safety and stability of the area for local residents, according to the report.