Last Monday the news agency was accused of conducting business in a residential area and its office was sealed.

Assistant editor of Mizzima, Mr. Mungpi said, "We cannot go to office as it is closed. So, we have asked all organizations to write request letters to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Now we are doing everything possible to reopen our office."

Mizzima has reiterated that it is not into any commercial activity in a residential area. The news group is an independent and non-profit news agency, which is for democracy and a free press in Myanmar.

Mizzima news agency is supported financially by non-government organizations like Burma Relief Center , National Endowment for Democracy, Open Society Institute, Euro-Burma Office, Internews, the Southeast Asian Press Alliance, and Free Voice.

Mizzima has appealed to the Government of India to reopen its office, as they do not run any business or shops in their office premises.

Mizzima News agency was set up in 1998 in New Delhi, India. This is the first time that the Government of India has closed its office. All equipment - computers, telephones among others and the library have been sealed in the office.

"Although the office is closed, we are somehow managing the work of Mizzima," Mr. Mungpi said.

Mizzima news agency is a member of Burma News International (BNI) which is a network of 10 independent media organizations of Myanmar . The agency has been reporting on current affairs in Myanmar for the local and international community.

Regarding the closing of the Mizzima office, the Secretary Board of Chin National Council, Mr. Chit Naing said, "The reason for closing the media office could be due to pressure from the SPDC on the Government of India. The junta disapproves of the relationship between western NGO's and Mizzima. Therefore, it is unsafe for the future of the Burmese community in India." – KNG.