Villagers Faced Money Extortion In Tonzang

30 January 2010 (Chinland Guardian): Villagers of Thuambual in Cikha Township, Chin State, were last month demanded a staggering amount of 200,000 Indian Rupees by SPDC soldiers under the direct order of Captain Tun Hla of Light Infantry Batallion 50 based in Cikha town, according to ZSYO (Zomi Students and Youth Organisation) based in Thai-Burma border.

Sources said that the villagers managed by all possible means to collect an estimated amount of 100,000 Indian Rupees in fear of persecution and threats that the soldiers would subsequently burn down the village.

The villagers were said to have been severely beaten up by the SPDC soldiers for delay in payment and only half of the amount demanded. The Meitei insurgents that camp near the village and are active in the region were reported being involved in the violent acts of exacting and beating.

Living in fears and worries on a daily basis, the villagers of Thuambual – a small village with about 35 households – are claimed to be facing difficulties in going to work on their farms.

On 13 January 2010, a shooting incident occurred along the hillside near Phaisat village in Tonzang Township between ZRA (zomi Revolutionary Army) and MLA (Meitei People Liberation Army), killing two ZRA and three PLA members with many injured.

Van Biak Thang
[email protected]