June 1, 2009: The Burmese military junta authorities in Chin state are imparting military training to villagers of Paletwa Township from the first week of May. This is in preparation for the ensuing 2010 general elections.

"The training is aimed at providing support to candidates of the Union Solidarity and Development Association for the 2010 election. The trainers told us that we will be responsible and take up duties during general election in every village," said a trainee.

The training is being conducted by three policemen in every village in Paletwa Township. Most villagers are participating in the training.

"An earlier training was conducted in Paletwa town, but now we are receiving training from the nearest police station. We have paid all expenses for food for the trainers," said an employee of the municipality.

There are around six police stations and 400 villages in Paletwa Township, Chin state western Burma. Of these 50 villages have already received training from the police department. The other villages have to be given training before the 2010 election.

Similarly, military training for civilians will start soon in Tidim and Flam Township, northern Chin state..

"We don't know the exact date for the training to start but we've heard from TPDC that it will begin. They give this kind of training every year. I had attended it once before," said a local in Tidim town..

The military regime conducts one month’s training for men between ages of 18 to 45 ages for security reasons. - Khonumthung News