Hundreds of people thronged a public meeting organized by the Chin Progressive Party (CPP) as part of its poll campaign in Tahan block, Kalemyo, Sagaing division on 12 October taking security personnel by surprise.

“Security forces, soldiers and firefighters were taken aback by so many people at the campaign meeting of the CPP,” said a local.

The meeting was held at the EFC hall in Tahan block, Kalemyo. Pu Nothankap, President and five candidates of CPP delivered speeches.

“The meeting started at noon and continued till 3 pm. The hall was full and many stood outside to listen. There was some entertainment with cultural songs of Lushai, Tiddim, and Falam being sung,” said a participant.

Some CPP leaders said that there has been discrimination among Chin tribes – Lushai, Hakha, Tiddim and Falam since the time of the Burma Socialist Program party, but now was the time to unite all Chin tribes as all Chin people believe in getting back their own land as God has promised, the Bible says. All Chin tribes need to unite in order to reach the population figure of 0.1 percent of the country’s population in Kalemyo and Tamu townships.

“There were 700 people attending. We didn’t expect such a large crowd at the meeting. Chin people came from seven sections in Tahan block. The hall was full and people stood outside on the streets,” said a local.

“Many said that CPP deserved votes in the forthcoming general elections in Kalemyo Township,” said a local in Taungphila block in Kalemyo.

Meanwhile, USDP was also into poll campaign in Kalemyo areas and donated money to schools and churches and was into constructing roads.

The CPP can organize poll campaigns in three places with permission No. 14/10/2010, 2/13-14/93(141). Before 28 October it will organize poll campaigns in 15 other places. The party also campaigned on TV on 5 October and will do so again on 24 October.