Burmese Army soldiers, based on the Indo-Myanmar border, crossed the Indian border to seize bulls being imported to Mizoram state in India.

Four soldiers from Falam town based LIB 268 illegally crossed the border and arrested Mr. Thanpi of Falam town and seized 13 bulls or Mithuns which belonged to him. He is into the business of selling bulls in Mizoram state. He was in Zokhawthar village, Mizoram state on May 5.

"Four armed soldiers came to our village and arrested Mr. Thanpi who was staying at Mr. Thanzamuan's house along with the bulls," said a villager.

Since they illegally crossed the international boundary with weapons, Indian Army soldiers met them immediately. Arguments followed. The Burmese soldiers asked for permission and made excuses to arrest Mr. Thanpi alleging that he had not paid tax.

"When the Burmese soldiers came into the village Indian soldiers also appeared on the scene and threatened to arrest them as they had illegally crossed the border. Burmese soldiers were scared and asked to be pardoned. However, the Burmese soldiers arrested Mr. Thanpi and seized his bulls," a local said.

The price of the bulls in the market is about Kyat 25 lakhs. They were taken from Sagaing division, western Burma. The bulls are kept at the Tiau military camp and the owner has been ordered not to go out of the village.

The Burmese Army collects Kyat 20,000 to 30,000 for the import of each domestic animal in the border areas. Sometimes they seize the animals illegally.