Lianrih villagers have been fined Kyat 100,000 by Falam Town Peace and Development Council (TPDC) Chairman Mr. Khin Maung Win for burning down forest stretches on 15 March 2010 in Falam township, Chin state western Burma.

“We had made a fire preventive path 50 feet wide as per the order of higher authorities before we burnt our agricultural lands, but winds fanned the fire and burnt the other side of the forest. It is not our fault,” said a local.

It is learnt that the authorities had ordered villagers to sign not to burn the forest and if they flouted the order, they would be fined by the Township Peace and Development Council.

The representatives and the village chief requested the Chairman of TPDC to pardon the villagers and not to take action. The Chairman paid no heed and fined them Kyat 100,000, a local told Khonumthung News.

There are about 20 houses in Lianrih village and all the families have to share the fine money. –