Brigadier Hung Ngai, a tactical commander of the Army in Chin state has ordered all armies not to patrol in Chin state from this month. The reason given was that an army officer was killed near Leilet village of Falam Township on September 23, a source said.

The restriction of patrolling order has no time limit and permission has to be taken from the tactical captain.

A trader in Falam said, "I was carrying some pigs to Mizoram and there were no army personnel on the way, it was very easy."

The soldiers used to take money from the traders for their goods or animals like buffaloes, cows, pigs and other domestic animals.

"We are very glad with the order of prohibition of the army patrols on the way. At the same time the villagers can also avoid giving their domestic animals to the army men on duty. The traders can avoid checking of identity cards and paying money to the checkers," said a Chin trader.

The SPDC government had increased military personnel and camps in Chin state after 1988. Currently, there are more than 9 battalions and 30 army camps in the area.