ခ်င္းရံပံုေငြပြဲ

CHIN FAMINE LIVE AID CONCERTS DRAW CROWDS IN MALAYSIA

By Cer Chin
Chinland Guardian
Kuala Lumpur
September 3, 2008: The Chin Famine Live Aid concerts held on August 31 and September 1 Malaysia brought thousands to the Wisma Center in Kuala Lumpur, to hear performances by popular musicians from Burma and India.

“We can definitively say that the concerts were a success,” said Paul Rung Er Lian, director of the concert organizing committee. “So many people came out to see the singers. Everyone had a lot of fun and we were able to bring attention to the Chin famine.

The concerts were organized by the Chin churches and fellowships of Kuala Lumpur to raise awareness and money for the ongoing famine in Chin State. All proceeds from the concerts will go towards cross-border relief efforts being carried out in the affected areas of Chin State.

Sung Tin Par, Zam Nu, Sang Pi, Mimi Lalzamliani, and Malsawmtluangi (SP) along with several Malaysia-based bands performed before a full auditorium of cheering fans. “We had been looking forward to this event for so long, and I can honestly say it went beyond our expectations” said Paul Rung Er Lian.

This concert series began last Wednesday, August 27 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The singers are now traveling on to Singapore where they are scheduled to perform later this week. The concerts have been organized by members of the Chin community to respond to the famine and food shortages currently affecting parts of Chin State.

A rapid infestation of rats in Chin State starting in 2006 has led to food shortages and economic devastation for an estimated 100,000 people, according to the Chin Human Rights Organization. The World Food Program (WFP) recently indicated that they would be looking into the situation in Chin State. Meanwhile, many victims have already crossed the border from Chin State into India in search of relief.