June 28, 2003: Concerned by the large-scale exodus of Burmese nationals, both India and Thailand have geared up security along their borders with Burma. Thailand has already sealed its border with Burma while India has stepped up vigilance along its border to prevent Burmese refugees from entering the country.

In view of political unrest and the dire law and order situation in Burma, hundreds of democracy supporters have fled from the country, fearing attacks at the hands of the Burmese Junta. The people from Kachin, Saggaing and Tamu who support the pro-democracy movement under the leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi have started fleeing to the neighboring countries, following harassment by junta officials. Senior leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD) are reportedly missing in these areas.

India has geared up security in three Border States - Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland. According to official statistics, about 3000 Burmese have resided in the Northeast of India since 1989. At the request of state governments, they received refugee status from the Indian government. According to informed sources, the Indian government will refrain from extending similar protection to the new arrivals from Burma, following an agreement with the junta.

The Thai government too appears to take a tough stance against Burmese refugees in wake of increasing anti-social activities in the country's border areas for which the Burmese have been blamed over the last few years. Stern action against Burmese crossing the border was also taken in order to encounter an increase in drug trafficking.

The the Thai government's order to stop entry into the country by Burmese fleeing Burma coincides with its strong protest against the attack on Aung San Suu Kyi and the arrest of senior leaders of her party. “We have raised a vociferous protest against the attack on Aung San Suu Kyi and the leaders of the NLD. But we cannot allow infiltration of our country which would lead to a serious law and order problem in near future”, a senior Thai government official told the local media recently. The government's move is justified by reference to its duty to take precautions against anti-socials activities in the border areas.

The problem appears to be similar in India when militant groups operating from hideouts in Burma have perpetuated violence. Moreover, after improving relations with the Burmese junta, the Indian government has been playing a soft role against the pro-democracy movement of Burma.

Disappointed by the Indian Government's stance, several Burmese organisations have criticized India, saying that its neutrality is meant to win the hearts of the Burmese junta. “We do not expect such a stance from a country like India which has always stood for democracy”, they said and appealed to the Indian government to change its position for the sake of the Burmese people.