21 June 2010: At least one member from each family in Chin state western Burma has to enroll into the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) as of June 2010 on the orders of the Falam Township Peace and Development Council (TPDC).
“We cannot refuse as party representatives have come and ordered us to sign up,” said a local.
The party has been into poll campaign from May in public meeting places, but local people have not responded well enough and are reluctant to be involved, making authorities issue the order to enroll in the party from June.
“A TPDC member, two from USDP and our block chairman came to our house, and asked my father to join. Though he was reluctant he has to do their bidding,” said a local in Cinmual village, Falam Township.
Similarly, the Matupi Township Peace and Development Council, USDP and block chairmen have also started forcing people to buy a card of the USDP in their respective areas.
“Although the USDP can campaign and are into poll activities in Chin state without hindrance from the government, other parties are not being allowed such activities,” said Mr. Nanthang, leader of the Chin Progressive Party (CPP) in Falam township.
For the forthcoming 2010 general election in Burma Mr. Ngunlal, Lalthiamlian, Kaptial and Saitiau have been nominated to contest by the USDP in Falam township.
