10 December 2009: A village has been turned into a camp for 38 military personnel by the Burmese Army’s LIB 228, based in Lungler, Thantlang Township in Chin state, seriously inconveniencing villagers.

A report said the Chief Commander Soe Kyaw Thait and his troops are staying in the houses of Mr. San Thu, Mr. Thleilian and  two other houses in Lungler village, Thantlang Township from November 27, 2009.

“It is very frustrating and difficult staying with them. We cannot feel free. The Block Peace and Development Council (BPDC) is taking care of them by arranging for food, water and firewood for cooking,” said a local woman in the village.

Earlier troops had stayed in a monastery, which is at some distance from the village, but this time the troops want to stay close to civilians.

“They told us that they wanted to stay with us in the village, but we don’t know why they want to. It is a burden for villagers,” she added.

The soldiers are patrolling five out of eight valleys in Thantlang Township and they sometimes confiscate domestic animals and money from the villagers.

The reason for settling in the village may be because the military wants to avoid using forced labour for constructing their new camp as civilians have been reporting all news and events inside Burma to the media in exile.

There are 46 villages in five valleys in Lungler military areas.