The people of Chin state are expecting a visit from the country’s President, so that he can see for himself their poor living conditions.
“Chin state is the most backward state in the country and the President has not been able to visit the state. He should come and witness our poverty,” said a parent from Matupi town.
Meanwhile, a member of the state Parliament said, “The President has often visited other states and regions, but has never been to Chin state. It makes us feel that he does not like representing the people of Chin state.”
The Chin people and local parliament members are disappointed that they do not have proper access to information regarding Chin state. A chosen few like the township administrators and some leaders of the USD party can access information from Naypitaw.
When people started applying for loans for elephant yam (locally called “Wau”) plantations, in order to eradicate poverty in Chin state, the township administrator of Thantlang, gave priority to a select few. Those people, who had submitted copies of their applications to USDP, (Union Solidarity and Development Party), were given preference.
“Although we are aware that the Division Officer and the local commander of the military were present, we were not informed officially. For these reasons, the President should pay a field visit,” a Member of Parliament for Chin state said.
Simultaneously, the Chin state government has not had regular parliament sessions for nine months and it cannot discuss the proposals which have been pending for two years.
Besides, the government is responsible for poor law and order situation in the state and is also not transparent about the annual budget for the Chin people, aid for the health sector to the tune of USD 6 million from India, agricultural aid of 9900 million Kyat from JICA, (Japan) and for electricity and education departments to the tune of 220 lakh Kyat from U Win Thun, Union Forest Minister and Chairman for eradicating poverty in Chin state.