First Chin military official to head Chin state
May 7, 2007: For the first time a Chin army official has been promoted to the post of tactical commander and head of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) of Chin state. He is the first Chin ethnic military official to hold this rank and position. The decision was taken by the military regime In Naypidaw, the new capital of Myanmar in February.
Major General Hueng Ngai, a Chin national from Mindat Township, Chin state, took over from Colonel Tin Hla, the former tactical commander and head of State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) of Chin state, said a local in Hakha, a capital of Chin state.
The promotion of Major General Hueng Ngai seems to have a link with Naypidaw's future nominee for Chin Affairs Minister. The SPDC is also preparing to hold a general election after its national convention in keeping with the military junta's seven-step road map to democracy in Myanmar.
"It won't be any different for us because of his being a Chin general. We will have to carry out our duties as ordered from above. The surprise is a Chin being asked to head Chin state," a local said.
Hueng Ngai is the second army official from Chin ethnicity to be promoted to the rank of Major General after Major General Taung Za Khai in the era of Burma Socialist Programme party (BSPP) led by U Newin, a former ruler of Myanmar.
Being a Buddhist is another reason for Major General Hueng Ngai, to be promoted in the military hierarchy, according to sources in Chin state.
Military personnel from among Christian minorities are hardly promoted to higher ranks in Myanmar where the majority is Buddhist. – KNG.
