SPDC rounding up sea gypsies for show

DVB, February 11

The local authorities of Burma’s military junta, State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) are rounding up and arresting sea gypsies, the Salons (Mokens) in southern Burma to make them partake in a sea gypsy festival starting on 14 February.

On 9 February, 12 Salons escaped from their native islands in Kawthaung Township, Tennesserim Division and fled to nearby Ranong in Thailand.

According to them, the Burmese authorities are arresting and detaining 5 young Salons on each island and force them to perform traditional dances for tourists. The Salon women were also treated with disrespect by the soldiers who arrested them.

According to the latest report, the Thai authorities have sent the escaped Salons back into Burma waters on 10 February and they are in danger of being arrested and tortured by Burmese authorities.