Chins in Norway Contributed for Kachin Refugees
09 November 2011: Chin people living in Norway have come together in an effort to make contributions toward helping Kachin victims of the ongoing armed conflict against the Kachin Independence Army by Burma Army soldiers.
The Norway Chin Christian Federation (NCCF) announced last Sunday that a total donation of 91,400 Norwegian Kroner (about 16,119.50 US dollars) was collected among Chin churches, fellowships, families and individuals across Norway.
Pu Daniel, Treasurer of NCCF, said in his email: “We are pleased to say that Chin people in Norway contributed more than we had expected for our brothers, the Kachins. Our collection will be delivered to Kachin State by responsible Chin pastors in Burma.”
It is claimed that Chairman of the Zomi Baptist Convention (ZBC), Rev. M. Thawng Kam and Pi Dar Nawn Tial are set to to meet with members of the Kachin Baptist Convention in Rangoon, former capital of Burma.
Sources confirmed that Chin churches based in Melbourne, Australia and Chin refugees in Malaysia under the leadership of the Malay Chin Christian Union (MCCU) are making their efforts in raising awareness and fund for Kachin refugees and IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons).
The ongoing armed conflict between Burma Army soldiers and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has escalated in recent days, resulting in the displacement of an estimated 30,000 people, according to sources.
A Chin NGO worker, who recently returned from a trip to Kachin State, told Chinland Guardian: “The humanitarian situation in Kachin State is devastating and the people victimized by the ongoing conflict are in urgent need of relief aid.”
In Aizawl, Mizoram State of India, a newly formed humanitarian group for Kachin refugees have organized a door-to-door and church collections of donation among local Chin churches and individuals.
It is estimated that there are more than 1,200 Chins living in Norway, most of them being resettled as refugees from Malaysia under the UNHCR resettlement programme after having fled various forms of brutalities and rights violations committed by Burma Army soldiers in Chin State.
Van Biak Thang
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