Locals caught between Indian border force security force and rebels

Locals caught between Indian border force security force and rebels
Chin people are facing a lot of problems because the Indian border security force (BSF) has launched an operation against insurgents in the Indo-Myanmar, Manipur and Chin state – Tonzang border road areas...

Chin people are facing a lot of problems because the Indian border security force (BSF) has launched an operation against insurgents in the Indo-Myanmar, Manipur and Chin state – Tonzang border road areas.

There was a gunfight between the BSF and Meitei underground rebels on 31 October 2008 . The rebels had fought back firing from inside Chin state at Indian forces. So the border road was closed by the BSF. Though it was reopened on 8 December 2008 , there is a lot of checking and restrictions even if people want to purchase daily commodities from Chin state or Manipur state, said Mr. Min Thang of Zomi Human Rights Foundation.

"When Chin people buy some essential commodities from Manipur markets, Indian border security forces treat them as supporters of the Meitei insurgency group. Chin people are really frightened of the forces," he added.

Especially, villagers of Cikha sub-township of Tonzang are totally dependant on Manipur state for their daily commodities as well as livelihood.

In Cikha village, there was an agreement between the Meitei insurgent group and the Burmese military. The rebels have a house in the village, so that they can carry on with their activities freely. At least four to five people are staying in the Cikha Town while around 100 are staying on the edge of the village.

Mr. Min Thang told  Khunumthung News that now Meitei rebels are hiding somewhere near Mizoram state as they have heard that a military officer from the central government has come and to check Cikha Town this month.

In June 2008 the villagers of Phaisat, Tonzang Township were forced to leave their village and give them Kyat 3 lakhs each. Now there are no villagers in Phaisat village in keeping with Meitei rebels demand. Actually, in Phaisat village there were 40 houses and around 100 people earlier.

Instead of protecting their citizens the military junta has reached an agreement with the Meitei insurgency group leading to many troubles and hardships for the Chin people.