CNI News
June 12, 2026
Naypyitaw has released a statement announcing that the Myanmar military(Tatmadaw) has successfully recaptured and reopened the route connecting Thantlang and Hakha in Chin State, which had been previously controlled by Chin armed groups.
Intense fighting broke out between the Chin National Front (CNF) and the Myanmar military starting June 4, 2026, in towns and villages adjacent to the Hakha-Thantlang route in Chin State. The military managed to regain control of the route on June 9, 2026.
U Soe Htet, Chairman of the New Chin Congress Party (NCC), told CNI News that while the military has reportedly taken control of the Thantlang-Hakha route, military operations continue in nearby towns and villages. He added that he has learned that mutual military activities along the India-Myanmar border will be monitored and controlled by both countries.
"According to the news, the military has now secured control over five townships in northern Chin State. I also read that there will be monitoring and control of mutual military movements along the Indian border, though I cannot verify the actual situation on the ground. Once you pass through Thantlang to Chinlon town, you can proceed directly into India. The operations are primarily concentrated along the Indian border. Many civilians who cannot reside in the towns are currently staying along the border.There are numerous routes leading to the border from Thantlang. Although the military has secured a route that facilitates travel toward India, military operations are still ongoing. They have managed to control the towns to a certain extent, but military activities persist in other villages and rural areas. Now that the army has moved into these five northern townships with substantial force and has taken major control of the urban areas, I believe the situation might not get significantly worse than it is now. Since a peace invitation has been extended, and organizations like the CNF and CNA are signatories to the NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement), I cannot say what their strategy is, but I think military operations will likely decrease," he said.
The Tatmadaw regained control of Hakha and Thantlang in Chin State.
The CNF, which is actively operating in Chin State, is an armed group that has signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). It maintains its headquarters in Thantlang Township and operates in Hakha, Tedim, and Matupi.
According to local residents, civilians in conflict-affected areas have been forced to flee their homes and are facing severe challenges regarding food and shelter.
U Soe Htet, Chairman of the New Chin Congress Party (NCC), also told CNI News that the Thantlang-Hakha route is highly critical for the return of local residents, the flow of goods, and regional trade.
"The Hakha-Thantlang route is vital for re-establishing control over Thantlang and for the reconstruction of homes for the public. Currently, displaced residents are scattered across the Kalay side, the Hakha side, and inside India. Thantlang had a large number of households, and although many homes have been heavily destroyed, local residents want to return and live in their town. If this route is wide open and travel is secure, the people will manage the town's reconstruction on their own, and if the government provides support, rebuilding the town will be feasible. Securing this route will facilitate both the flow of goods and redevelopment efforts. From a military standpoint, the military base in Thantlang is situated on high ground and is highly strategic. Therefore, controlling this route provides a significant military advantage. It will also make travel much easier for families wishing to return to their native areas. Reconstructing the towns and villages can only run smoothly if there is control. Since Thantlang was completely destroyed, all locals want to rebuild their town, which makes this route exceptionally vital," he said.
Government department offices in Hakha.
Clashes have been taking place in Chin State between the Myanmar military and the CNF, Local Defence Forces (LPDFs), and the Arakan Army (AA). Consequently, over 10,000 local residents from Thantlang, Matupi, and Mindat have fled to Mizoram State, India.
The Myanmar military launched counter-attacks to regain control after Chin revolutionary forces captured sections of the road between Hakha and Thantlang during 2024 and 2025.
Naypyitaw has announced that cargo trucks and travelers will now be able to pass through normally, and the route can be reused without difficulty for regional transport.
Additionally, it is reported that regional rehabilitation efforts are being carried out to facilitate the return of displaced local residents and to elevate socio-economic life, including regional development, education, and healthcare.
