Mizzima: Burmese refugees ordered t

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Burmese refugees ordered to go back to the camp

February 15, 2000
Mizzima News Group

The authorities in Manipur have ordered Burmese refugees in the state to
go back to the refugee camp, which was established for them in 1988. The
order signed by Supretendent of Police, Imphal West District of Manipur
State was issued on 12th February.

After the military coup in Burma in 1988, hundreds of Burmese political
activists mainly students and youth crossed the border to Manipur State
of India for shelter. Manipur Government, as per direction of the
Government of India, set up a refugee camp in Leikhun, Chandel district
of the state. The Manipur Rifles soldiers guarded the refugee camp and
it is 64 Km away from the international border.

Initially, about 250 Burmese refugees were housed in the camp. However,
in the course of past eleven years, many of them have either moved to
various places in the state or moved to New Delhi where they get
protection and assistance from UNHCR office. Less than 30 refugees are
currently staying inside the camp.

The police order, made available to Burmese refugees, mentioned that
"Manipur Government has decided not to allow any Myanmar (Burma) refugee
to stay other than the refugee camp established at Leikhun".

The last date set for the refugees to enter the camp is February 29.