15 September 2009: Burmese military junta authorities have banned travel for those selected for a military training programme out of their respective locations in Falam town and its villages, in Chin state western Burma.
“Authorities of the Township Peace and Development Council (TPDC) have ordered persons listed for the military training programme not to travel anywhere. My younger brother was to come to Mizoram state but he cannot go anywhere as he is already listed as a participant in the programme,” according to a local in Falam town, who arrived in Mizoram state recently.
It is learnt that the authorities asked for 60 persons from each four blocks of Falam town and 15 people each from 96 of village tracts in Falam Township to participate in the military training programme. The people in Falam townships are frustrated because 60 persons from each four blocks have to attend. They will be selected by lottery system.
The military training programme is being conducted in some places in Chin state by force even though the local people dislike the programme. In some places the authorities have already compiled a list of trainees before conducting the programme.
The Mizoram based Chin National Council (CNC) General Secretary Mr. Ralhnin told Khonumthung News, “This is just preparation for the forthcoming 2010 general elections. Recruiting civilians as firefighters and for the police department shows that the military government is trying to persuade them from every corner without taking the opinion of the people.”
Early this month some youths from Tayakaung village in Kaley areas, Sagaing division fled to Mizoram, India in order to escape the army’s recruitment dragnet. They were listed as trainees.
The military regime has promised to develop the country like other developing countries in the world by the forthcoming 2010 general elections. But most political analysts believe that the junta cannot achieve this. They are under pressure from the countrymen and the international community as they do not believe in justice and fairness for citizens and violate human rights.- Khonumthung News