Food security in the already vulnerable Chin State dramatically worsened at the end of 2007 and early 2008 due to a rat infestation. The worst affected areas are the remote villages in townships along the Indian border in central and southern Chin—Tahntlang, Matupi and Paletwa townships.
The Department for International Development (DFID) is providing £4 million over four years to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its national Human Development Initiative, which includes work in all the townships of Chin State. A UNDP needs assessment team returned from Chin earlier this week. We will consider the case for further assistance to affected populations in Chin State through UNDP on the basis of their assessment.
In order to collect more information on needs and potential mechanisms for support, DFID officials have also met with local and international NGOS working in Chin State. DFID is also planning a mission to look at the work being done by Chin groups based in India to meet needs in Chin State.