YANGON: Pension payments at the Myanma Economic Bank in Falam, Chin State, which had been suspended for nearly two years due to fighting, resumed on September 21.
Banking services at the Falam branch of Myanma Economic Bank were temporarily suspended in November 2024 due to fighting. After the military regained control of Falam in April 2026, the bank resumed operations on July 6. On September 21, it made pension payments to retired civil servants for the first time since the resumption of services.
All categories of pensions—including civil service, political, defense, police and bank pensions—are being paid.
Those who were displaced from their homes due to violent incidents and were unable to collect their pensions must return to the Myanma Economic Bank in Falam to reapply for pension payments.
Retired employees who will be collecting their pensions in Falam for the first time may apply in person between the first and 18th of each month.
Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr. Thant Zaw Lwin, Chin State Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Win Zaw Oo, and members of the Chin State Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Committee inspected the pension payment process at the Myanma Economic Bank.
The deputy minister and his delegation then visited Surbung Airport, where they inspected the condition of the main airport building, air traffic control tower, staff housing, and runway, as well as the extent of damage to and loss of equipment.
Than Myint Kyaw, head of the Department of Aviation Technology under the Ministry of Transport, explained the damage and the procedures required for repairs and rehabilitation.
Surbung Airport was built at a cost of K43.79 billion (US$1.95 million) as the first air gateway to Chin State. An ATR 72 aircraft made the airport's first test landing on October 27, 2020. The airport's aviation facilities have now been partially damaged and equipment has been damaged or lost due to the fighting, according to reports.
Rehabilitation and reconstruction work in Chin State is currently being accelerated, with close supervision by committee members and officials from relevant ministries led by deputy ministers, according to reports. - Eleven Media/ANN
