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The Chin people suffer the consequences of military occupation with units of soldiers present in most villages. Local people are vulnerable to frequent human rights abuses, with the theft of livestock and forced labor being the most prevalent. Villagers living in remote parts of Chin State often have no health care and those in need of treatment may have to be carried for up to five days to find treatment. The Chin are predominantly Christian and there are many reports of the destruction of churches and crosses which the local people often build on the mountains or at crossroads (see article by Christian Solidarity Worldwide).
On a recent mission, an FBR team collected reports of human rights violations pertaining to forced labor and property confiscation. They are listed below.
Name: Sang Than
Age: 32
Gender: Male
Township: Falam
Date of Offense: 1 December 2010
Commander/ Battalion: Ku Mu Min (Battalion 407)
Description: Forced to be a porter, Sang Than had to carry rice to the Burma Army camp.
Name: Zung Lang Cung
Age: 18
Gender: Male
Township: Falam
Date of Offense: 9 October 2010
Commander/ Battalion: Ku Hlah (Light Infantry Battalion 20)
Description: Forced to be a porter, he carried rice from his village of Khaw Sum to Tibual Camp.
Name: Sa Sa
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Township: Falam
Date of Offense: 18 June 2010
Commander/Battalion: Ku Hlah (Light Infantry Battalion 52)
Description: Forced to be a porter, Bauia carried rice for the Burma Army.
Name: Cung Hnin
Age: 22
Gender: Male
Township: Falam
Date of Offense: 16 May 2011
Commander/Battalion: Bu Hlah (Battalion 245)
Description: Cung Hnin was forcibly conscripted to become a soldier for the Burma Army, though he was able to escape and flee to Mizoram.
Name: Ryurao
Age: 32
Gender: Male
Township: Falam
Date of Offense: 12 October 2010
Commander/ Battalion: Ku Me Zaw (Light Infantry Battalion 62)
Description: Forced to be a porter, Ryurao had to carry rice for the Burma Army. In many instances in the past, they have also taken his property such as rice, hens, and vegetables.
* Names changed for security purposes.