Kalay-Tamu trade route which was closed since 15 June 2023 due to the clashes between the military council force and People’s Defense Force (PDF) in Tamu Township of Sagaing Region, has reopened, according to locals.
This morning, there are more than twenty 12-wheeled trucks entering and exiting the road,” a local from Tamu said on 16 September.
Since 11 September, cargo trucks have started entering from Kalay to Tamu. Now passenger buses have resumed their operations now, according to Tamu locals.
A bus line owner said: “Now the road reopens. Kalay-Tamu small car services have resumed.”
Due to the closure of road in the previous months, travel expenses have increased from over Ks-10,000 to over Ks-100,000 as the people have to go to Tamu from Kalay using the forest roads in Tonhae village and sailing against Chindwin River in Kalewa. Commodity prices have skyrocketed, according to locals.
A local said: “I have to pay about Ks-30,000 for the Kalay-Tamu trip, but it is convenient for me compared to paying Ks- over 100,000 for the use of the detour.
Due to political instability in India, there is no trade flow in Tamu which is located on the India-Myanmar. Most people faced difficulties due to the closure of Kalay-Tamu road, a local from Tamu said.
There are frequent clashes between the PDF and the military council forces in Tamu Township. On 16 September, the military council captured four camps of PDF-Tamu battalion, according to sources from both sides.
Sent by Say Kaung Kham (Shanni Voice)