2 August 2010: The Burmese military junta backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has been offering to construct a metalled road for the Chin people in Hakha town to woo them for votes for the forthcoming 2010 general election in Chin state, western Burma.

Pu Cungbik, general secretary of the USDP in the old block of the Hakha town made an offer to elders in the block to construct a metalled road last month.

“We had a meeting on 22 July with the elders and local people about the USDP offer. Some suggested that if any other party wins the elections they can also construct a metalled road for us. So, we decided not to accept USDP’s offer,” said a local in Hakha town.

The USPD in Hakha town had began wooing voters since early June by constructing a bridge, drains and other public utilities for local people.

“They are being funded by the military junta. Anyway, it is beneficial for the people,” said a religious leader.

However, a local said that most of the people have no interest in USDP policy and its manifesto. They will vote for Chin parties.

“Some daughters and sons of USDP leaders in Hakha town have gone to foreign countries as refugees telling their parents that it is not right to work with the military junta for the elections,” said Pu Vanlian from Hakha town.

The USDP has been wooing people by offering public utilities in Yangon division and other ethnic areas in Burma as well.