Recently, soldiers of the LIB (268) station in Falam town, Chin state allegedly felled pine and other hardwood trees for extra revenue to compensate for insufficient ration provided by the army. The State Peace and Development Council authorities in Chin state have turned a blind eye to the violation of the ban, Chin local said.   

Army personnel are logging pine and other hardwood trees that are used for building construction and furniture in Ranthlo area in Falam, added a local.

On daily basis, the army sells the felled timber for Kyat 3000 (US $ 2.380) a cubic feet and transports it by army trucks to Falam and Hakha, capital of Chin state.

In May this year, as part of forest conservation drive the Home Department prohibited logging in Chin state. The announcement on forest conservation also warned locals that action would be taken on those flouting the ban.

Ironically, the ban seems to be only for the people because the army personnel are into brisk business in timber after felling trees despite the ban.

"It is intentionally done by the authorities. They allowed soldiers to cut trees to their hearts content while people keep watching," complained a local.

The ban on felling trees affects the life of people in Chin state as they traditionally used wood as fire wood for cooking and natural fuel for lighting in place of electricity.

In 2003, the military authorities began collecting tax on the locals for felling trees on the hillside for farming and fire wood. However, from this year, it imposed a total ban on logging under the pretext of forest conservation. – Khonumthung.