The road that links Manipur state in northeast India and Chin state's Tonzang Township in Burma on the border will be closed by the Indian Army till the end of this year.

There was a gunfight in the areas between Indian Arm forces and Meitei insurgency group on 31 October 2008. Therefore, Indian Army closed the road from the first week of November, said Mr. Minthang of Zomi Chin Human Rights Foundation group.

The Meitei group attacked Indian Army soldiers from the other side of Tonzang Township, Chin state. Travel on the road was immediately restricted and the road closed.

However villagers of Tonzang Township are facing many problems as the main border road is closed.

"The villagers are totally dependant on Manipur state for their daily needs and food. Closing road affects them severely," he added.

He added that when the gunfight was taking place three bullets fired by the Indian soldiers hit Khenman and Vanglai villages of Tonzang Township. Although no one was hurt, the people were scared and wanted to shift from their village.

Tonzang Township is also facing famine among other villages in Chin state. At the same time, in the areas of Tonzang Township Meitei underground group and the junta has joined hands and they have more than 200 acres of opium under cultivation in plantations, a source said.