Soldiers on guard duty at the tactical hospital in Thangtlang town, Chin state, allegedly sell liquor such as Myanmar Rum and O.B to locals. Ironically, Colonel Tin Hla, former tactical commander of Chin state, deployed the soldiers, selling liquor, to provide security to the hospital.

"The illegal sale is done outside the hospital. We are all angry with what they are doing. Now, we are afraid that crimes will take place as a consequence of consuming alcohol," said a retired doctor from Chin state.

Consuming alcohol is contrary to Christian faith, and local authorities and medical officers had prohibited liquor sale in Thangtlang Township since 2005. The local people also support the move.

Ironically, the restriction on alcohol has sent the price of liquor skyrocketing. This seems to have encouraged the soldiers to sell alcohol.

A retired doctor said, "They bring the alcohol from Hakha along with their rations".

A bottle of O.B is available for Kyat 700 (Burma currency) and Myanmar Rum is Kyat 1,200 per a bottle in Hakha, capital to Chin state The soldiers make good profit at Kyat 2,000 a bottle of OB and Kyat 3,000 for Myanmar Rum.

Moreover, the soldiers from LIB (268) stationed in Thangtlang have also forced 17 villagers to sell at least 15 bottles to villages in April, 2007.

Liquor is freely available in the black market this year after Burmese soldiers expanded their alcohol business in Chin state. – Khonumthung.