Villagers from Ma O, Saiha, Shwelaipi, Pathiantlang, Paite, Sia O, Hemapi and Hemate villages are being forced to do physical labour for construction of army posts and barracks in Pathiantlang village in Paletwa Township in Chin state since June this year. Captain Win Tin Nyeing from Light Infantry Battalion (233) is said to have issued the order for the construction. 

"We had built three army barracks, one toilet and also fenced army posts. We also brought food and other necessities during the work in the army post", said a villager from Paletwa engaged by the army for forced labour.  

Moreover, the villagers from Sinletwa, Pathiantlang and Cing Oo Wa villages have been ordered to provide one and half tins of rice (approximately valued at around Kyat 10,000) and two chickens per month to the army. Captain Win Tin Nyeing issued a notice that mentioned providing rice and chickens to army was mandatory on June 29.

"Nobody dare defy the order. We provided rice and chickens to he army twice," said a villager from Chin state.

Para, Sia O, Shweletwa, Pathiantlang, Setletwa, Cing Oo Wa and Ma O villages are next on the list to provide ration to the army, according to a local in Chin state.

Forced labour is unavoidable for villagers in regions in Chin state where the Myanmar Army is gearing up for expansion of the military. The expansion of the army in Chin state began in 1988. KNG