In fact, the immigration department of Tamu has been issuing identity cards to them since 2008. Now there are around 300 Meitei rebels staying at Tamu Township illegally.

"The Meitei rebels are everywhere in Tamu Township and their families are also staying freely just like our Burmese families. They can approach the authorities easily as they are wealthy and they have more advantages in many fields than we do," said a local.

Besides, they have opened camps in the border five miles from Zohmun (Bokhan) village. As they have been given the right to stay in the town by local authorities, they have married local women and are staying together.

"The Burmese soldiers and Meitei insurgents have a good relationship going and behave like brothers. They go inside the village and drink together. They can select some farmers' daughters by giving money, as they are rich. Parents and villagers are afraid to oppose them as they are armed as well as backed by the Myanmar junta," said a villager of Zohmun.

A report said that when there was a gun fight between the Indian border security force (BSF) and Meitei rebels in January 2009, a 42 year old villager in Zohmun was caught in the cross fire and died. Though the victim's family demanded compensation from the insurgent group, they did not get anything.

In the clash two rebels were hurt and are being treated in Tamu hospital, said a local.

The insurgent groups have camps and move freely in the border areas and Cikha Town of Tawnzang Township, upper Chin state. - Khonumthung News