| Some Refugees go back
to Burma as the new relocation site seems insecure
October 21 (NMG) Some ethnic Karen refugees from Mae-khong-khar camp are going back into Burma for security reason as the government troops stations at Bawy Baw Lu, the new site for relocation which is situated just opposite to former strong-hold of KNU Headquarters, Manaeplaw, some refugees from camp said. Although there was no detail number of refugees who returned to Burma, a number refugees are returning back into Burma, said the refugees. “I don’t know exactly how many refugees returned to Burma. I saw Thai border security guards and Thai villagers. The refugees leave the camp only at night time to hide in darkness. When we hear dog barks, we could see refugees are leaving the camp along with their belongings and their children. These refugees told me that they used to live Bway-Baw-Lu and left there because it was not a safe place. As authorities are forcing us to relocate Bway-Baw-Lu we have no option but to go back to Burma,” one of the remaining refugees from the camp said. Refugees are still worrying about recent attacks by government and DKBA troops to their camp and rising fear of their new camp might be attacked again. As monsoon already ended, the Thaung-Yin river can no longer be barrier between new camp and Manaeplaw, the government troops can easily cross the river and may attack the new camp. Though Thai authorities says no need to panic on attack of Burmese army, the refugees in the new camp are not relying on it. One refugee said “When DKBA attacked Mae-La-Mu, they (Thai border security guards) also had to run away in fear along with refugees. In reality, they could not protect and don’t want to die for us because they are Thai.” While some refugees are returning Burma, remainders amidst their worries, are waiting to relocate new camp by arrangement of Thai authorities. On 5 October, Thai authorities issued an order to relocate Mae-Khong-Khar refugee camp to Bway-Baw-Lu. New location of Bway-Baw-Lu refugee camp situates four kilometera away from former stronghold of KNU Headquarters, Manaeplaw on Thai-Burma border, where Burmese troops are stationed. Network Media Group |
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