Press Release Food Aid Concert

Chin Food Aid Concert in USA October 22, 2009 Washington DC – Dallas, USA

A celebrated top vocalist Ms. Sung Tin Par, talented sweet-voiced Ms. Dawt Hlei Hniang - First Price winner of National Televised Singing Competition in Burma - and Chin unique Rocker Mang Tin Sawn @Solomon have just arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport today to entertain Chin and Burmese community in USA. Salai Tawna – Ph.D, former ABC Music band leader and musicologist from Switzerland and Mimi Lalzamliani, one of the top singers from Mizoram State of India will join the show at a series of Chin Food Aid Concerts in the US cities.

Background: Since 2007, Chin people in Chin State have been facing severe food crisis, caused by drought and rodent infestations, locally called Mautam, a once-in-fifty-year phenomenon in which bamboo flowers, bears fruits and dies consequently. The rats feed on the fruits of the flowering bamboo and multiply rapidly, which is followed by an influx of rats that destroy crops, fields and food storages, causing famine-like situation in the region. About 100,000 people have been immediately affected by the ongoing crisis exacerbated by rainy season difficulties in accessing the remote areas of the region.

As part Global Campaign against Starvation in Chin State, International awareness and fund raising concerts have been organized in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and Europe since last year. Once again the top Artists from Burma and India are taking a voluntary action for a two-month-long concert tour in USA to raise awareness and fund for the victims of the food crisis. All proceeds will directly benefit those affected by this famine-like phenomenon.

We request all the sympathizers around the US to kindly continue to shower your love towards these suffering people through our efforts by means of coming to join with us at one of the concerts scheduled below:

Venue, date and contact: Dallas, Texas: October 24 (Sat) Mr. Kevin Thang (469-463-5343) Battle Creek, Michigan: October 31 (Sat) Salai Cung Sang (269-832-2031) San Francisco, California: November 7 (Sat) Salai Tluang Vel Lian(510-437-0607) Los Angeles, California: November 14 (Sat) Dr. Salai Lawma (626-232-9293)

Indianapolis, Indiana: November 20-21 (Fri-Sat) Salai Van Ceu Uk (317-697-9455) Washington, DC: November 27 (Friday) Salai Tuk Tuk (443-995-9804)

Should you have any questions concerning the campaign, please contact our media contacts and Event Coordinators:

Salai Bawi Lian Mang Tel: 510-332-0983(cell); Email: [email protected]

Salai Elaisa Vahnie Tel: 812-929-7193(cell); Email: [email protected]

Victor Biak Lian (Asia) Tel:613-796-9514; Email: [email protected]

For more Information about Food Crisis in Chin State: Visit: www.chinlandguardian.com, www.chro.ca , www.youtube.com Search: Mautam or Chin Famine