Hundreds At London’s Chin Famine Concert

About 350 people last Saturday turned up at the combined event of ‘Chin Famine Live Aid Concert’ and the ‘61st anniversary of Chin National Day’ in London, filling up Chiswick Town Hall in support of famine victims in Chin State, Burma.

The event, aiming to raise awareness and fund for the famine-hit victims and celebrating the Chin National Day, was organised by Chin Community in the UK (CCUK).

Timmy Ni Khuai, Vice-Chairman of CCUK, gave a short speech on the history and importance of Chin National Day, which falls on 20 February. A short presentation on the Chin famine was also given, which was followed by a special ‘relief fund’ collection with a duet from Thang Kim and sister Gloria Mang Man Cing.

“It’s been a successful event. This surely raises awareness, more fund and sends a stronger message to the people about the Chin famine.

We all should keep praying and doing something for our brothers and sisters who have been facing food crisis in the jungle,” said Miss Dim Lian, Secretary of CCUK as she thanked the CCUK members, the audience and those who helped make the event possible.

A variety of traditional foods from Burma, including Chin traditional corn soup called ‘Sabuti’, was available at the event from generous donations of individuals, groups and organisations such as Burma Democratic Concern.

The proceeds will be sent, yet to be confirmed, to the ‘unreached’ Chin villagers of Southern Chin State in the remote bamboo jungle which is not accessible by roads.

The audience had been wowed by cultural dances, fashion shows in different Chin dresses, Chin stand-up comedy, great performances by the Hornbill Band and singers including a talented Mizo singer Dadudi.

A series of ‘Chin Famine Live Aid Concert’ has since last year been organised in collaboration with Chin Human Rights Organisations (CHRO) in countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Australia and Europe.