The first edition of the new monthly journal Khonumthung News reached newsstands last month. Over 1000 copies of the 40-page journal were distributed in various townships in Chin state, the former capital of Yangon and, Kalemyo in Sagaing division starting on May 23.
The Khonumthung News Group received permission to distribute the print Chin journal by the Printing and Publishing Enterprise run by the Ministry of Information Department on March 25.
Khonumthung News Group and Chinworld Media group are the first Chin media organizations that have received the green light to publish after press laws have been relaxed following reforms introduced in Myanmar.
Khonumthung News that sells 400 kyats (US 43 cents) provides local, national and international news, including sections devoted to health and technology. Extra copies will be printed based on demand.
The target distribution areas will be rural Chin state where little, if any media, is currently available.
The Khonumthung News Group was started by Chin youth living in Aizawl, India on March 7, 2002.