"After the recent uprising of monks and activists, the people are keen to know the real and exact facts of what is happening in Burma from Burmese radio broadcasting services overseas", a radio enthusiast in Chin state said.

The people mainly listen to the overseas radio services such as DVB, VOA, BBC and RFA Burmese programmes in order to catch up with the latest on Burma, said a local in Hakha town, capital of Chin state.

"They are interested to know more about how and what the international community is doing for change in Burma," He also added.

The radios that the listeners are buying and are mostly available in the market are Chinese make portable radios.

The price of a radio in Chin state has touched Kyat 10,000 up from Kyat 5,000 the price before the Burmese regime increased fuel prices on August 15 that triggered street protests by monks and supporters across Burma. Over 30 demonstrators, including monks were killed and thousands have been detained by security forces.    

A local from Thangtlang town said that the purchase rate of radio continues to rise though the price of radio has gone up.

"Whoever understands Burmese language from different areas in Chin is buying it (radio). However, the price depends on the quality and brand of radio", a local in Tedim town said.

In Burma, the junta is notorious for imposing blackout on sensitive news and uses its mouth piece the MRTV to spread propaganda and to advocate its own activities. It particularly condemns peaceful acts of democracy activist groups and brands them as destructive elements.

Amidst tightened security and black out of news the people have found an alternative way to learn about the ground reality in Burma by tuning in to overseas Burmese broadcasting services. – Khonumthung.