Locals Forced to Work on Road Construction in Matupi Township

03 April 2011: The local military authorities have ordered Calthawng villagers including women and children in Matupi Township to work on the Matupi-Hakha road construction under the supervision of Mindat District Construction Department, Chin Human Rights Organisation’s (CHRO) source revealed.

The village headman was given responsibilities to get the local people to make what the military authorities have named ‘voluntary contributions’ for the state-run road construction, according to a Calthawng local, who took part in the road works.

“We are told to work in groups from each block and the work has started since last week. At least one person from each family in the block has to voluntarily contribute and any family that fails to follow the order would be penalised,” the local told CHRO on 25 March 2011.

It is claimed that the authorities provide a can of fish paste and less than half a bottle of oil per family for the voluntary contributions.

“Some villagers do not want to take the provisions out of their frustration. We heard that the road construction will go on until our village area is finished,” said the local, whose asks not to be named.

Van Biak Thang
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