The Tidim Township based LIB 269 of the Burmese Army has seized 19 bulls that were being taken to Mizoram state India and have demanded a large amount of tax from the bull traders on August 19.

Mr. Liancinthang and eight of his friends from Tungzan, Tidim township were stopped by the Bukphir based military personnel when they were taking 19 bulls to Mizoram state from Kalemyo in Tidim township. The troops demanded Kyat 19 lakhs from the traders..

They were told by the soldiers that if they are unable to pay the money demanded their bulls would be confiscated. The traders borrowed some money from neighbouring villages and gave Kyat 5 lakhs. But the troops held back nine of the 19 bulls..

“We gave them Kyat 5 lakhs for 10 bulls, but they held back nine bulls. We have to pay a total of Kyat 19 lakhs, or else we will not get back the rest of the bulls,” said one of the bull owners..

The bull owners reached Champhai district in Mizoram state on August 20 with 10 bulls. They are busy selling their bulls after which they will pay the balance to the army for the seized bulls. They will lose at least Kyat 10 lakhs from their business capital, an owner told Khonumthung News..

The bulls were bought from Kalemyo Sagaing division at Kyat 2 lakhs a bull and it will be sold in Mizoram state for Rs. 7000 to 15,000 per head..

“The army units extort money from our trades and they never inform the higher authorities at a time when we are struggling to survive as our state is still in the grip of famine from bamboo flowering. The military should not demand such high taxes and should be content with their salaries. They act in a shameless manner,” he added..

The junta should sympathize with the citizens, especially workers and traders who are fighting for their survival in the midst of economic and political crisis in Burma.