Two Burmese Army soldiers allegedly into extortion from Chin traders were arrested by troops of the Assam Rifles in Champhai district, Mizoram, India on July 3.
The Burmese soldiers identified as Myint Naing (34) and Zaw Oo (35) belonging to the Light Infantry Battalion (304) based in Rih-subtownship of Falam township, Chin state were arrested with an AK-47 rifle, while they were extorting 50,000 Kyats each for six cows belonging to two traders.
The two Burmese soldiers were reported against to the local Indian Army camp by the traders. They were demanding three lakh Kyats for six domestic animals from Burma meant to be sold in Mizoram. The Burmese soldiers are in custody in Champhai, said a police source in Champhai.
“The Burmese soldiers were arrested from a hut of Ngur villager while they were waiting for the money from the traders” said a police post commander in Champhai.
They are lodged in the Champhai lock up for illegally crossing the border and extortion.
It is learnt that the Burmese authorities have requested the Mizoram authorities for the return of the two soldiers. But the decision of the Mizoram authorities is yet to be known, said the Champhai police post commander.
Most Burmese soldiers on duty on the Indo-Burma border areas not only extort money from traders but also from local people. Some people are arrested and ransom is demanded by the soldiers. Khonumthung news