26 April 2010: Expressing their reservations about Mr. Nothankap, a former Chin National Front (CNF) acting army chief commander, some leaders of the Chin Progressive Party (CPP) have asked him not to contest in the forthcoming general elections in Burma.

“The reason is not because they hate him but his past record of activities could hurt the party. So, some leaders requested him not to contest the election,” said a CPP official in Falam Township, Chin state.

Mr. Nothankap, however, has not responded to the appeal. Mr. Nothankap’s presence in the electoral fray will not be acceptable as the local people don’t like him. This in turn will make the CPP unacceptable to the people, said a local.

Mr. Nothankap was expelled from the Chin National Front when he was acting army chief commander.

Although Mr. Nothankap believes that the elections will not be free and fair, he says he will try to help poor people in Chin state by contesting from the Falam Township constituency.

Meanwhile, the CPP is trying to nominate reputed candidates as representatives of Chin people and is trying to shun persons, who have a record of misbehaviour during the period of Burma Socialist Party (BSP).