26 April 2010: The Mara ethnics in Chin state will be represented by the National Progressive Party (NPP) in the forthcoming elections in Burma. The decision was taken in a meeting in the second week of April.

The party’s decision was taken at a meeting attended by hundreds of Mara people in Lailenpi village, Matupi Township between April 10 and 13.

“We had a crucial discussion on whether to contest as a political party or fight as Independents in the polls. Finally after threadbare debate we decided to participate as a political entity called the NPP in the forthcoming elections,” said a local teacher, who attended the meeting.

NPP members elected a Chairman and 14 executive committee members. However, the NPP has to register with the Election Commission of Burma in order to contest the polls.