In the wake of the 2010 general elections in Burma, in a retaliatory measure, the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in Chin state has warned Chin people that development work in the state will not be implemented in areas where the opposition garnered votes and villagers ignored the USDP.

It is a fall out of the victory of Chin political parties in five constituencies in Falam township, a Falam local said.

“Although the USDP lost in Falam township, it emerged victorious in most of the country. Now it has power. Chin parties cannot do a thing as they have no power, whereas the USDP can do whatever it wants,” he added.

It can be recalled that the USDP candidate U Kawl Luai during his poll campaign had ordered people in Falam to vote for the USDP, failing which it would not undertake any development work in their areas, post polls.

Because of such blatant threats and force, government employees, traders and businessmen voted for the USDP.

The USDP has asked us to form groups to support them. We did not dare refuse as they have all the power. If we oppose them our professions will be affected one way or the other,” a bus owner in Chin state told Khonumthung News.

The USDP forced villagers in Falam township to ensure that one person from each family enrolled with the USDP, but most villagers voted for the Chin political parties in the 2010 general elections.

The USDP won 18 seats of 39, the Chin Progressive Party (CPP) 18, the Chin National Party (CNP) 9 and the Ethnic National Development Party (ENDP) 1.