An inspector, Myint Thein led Burmese policemen and extorted Kyat 400 (Burma currency) each from maize sellers in Chin state, northwest Burma. The traders were trying to cross the Indo– Burma border to sell home-grown maize in Mizoram state in northeast India.
 
The extortionists were from police station in Rih town Falam district on the Indo – Burma border.
 
Chins from remote areas sell home-grown-maize in Mizoram to earn a livelihood in economic crisis ridden Burma.   
 
 "They (police) came and asked for money when we even don't have money for our children's school fees and daily necessities," said a maize seller in Chin state.
 
The villagers on foot carry the maize in baskets - traditionally used by Chin people, to Mizoram and sell it at Rs. 95 for every 20 kilograms.
 
"We cannot carry more than 50  kilograms as it is a long journey from seven to eight miles from Chin state to Mizoram on foot," said one of the sellers.
 
Burmese security forces are deployed along porous Indo–Burma border and along the foot track to Mizoram from Chin state. Security personnel lie in wait for the maize sellers and other traders to make money, according to a trader from Chin state.