The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army and Thai authorities have been cooperating with each other to send internally displaced people back to their country of origin. The IDPs fled to neighbouring Thailand because of clashes in their area.
Yesterday, DKBA's officials and Thai authorities met the IDPs staying in Mae Thari, Tharay Hta, Mae Thawal, Au Thuu Hta in Thasaungyang township, Thailand. According to locals, authorities said that they will begin the process of the return of the IDPs on August 24.
"DKBA and Thai authorities met refugees in Mae Thari and Tharay Hta yesterday. Villagers can go back to their homes. There are no clashes now. Refugees will be sent back on August 24 so they must prepare to return home," said Saw Hser Kalo from Mae Euu Hsu village.
Lt. Col. Saw Pho Kali, commander of No. 5 battalion of DKBA's brigade 999, who is liasing with Thai authorities for the return of the refugees told KIC about their discussion yesterday. "Villagers are not being forced to return. We are giving them a message that they can go back home and live peacefully. Now it is their wish. The Thai authorities will arrange their trip."
DKBA and Thai authorities met twice on August 14 in Mae Thari and August 15 in Mae Thawal for discussions about the process of the return of refugees. After the discussion they officially informed the refugees.
Refugees in temporary camps are afraid because DKBA commanders and officials come directly into the camps and are talking about their return, said Saw Tar Hsunyar who helps refugees.
"Refugees are afraid of being forced to return home. Some refugees in Mae Thari have been hiding in the jungle. If Thai authorities send them back, they will hide in the jungle and some are looking for places to hide."
These refugees are from Pai Kyon and Hlaing Bwe Township, Pa-ann district, Karen State. They fled to neighbouring Thailand because of military offensive in their area. DKBA's brigade 999, 555 and 333 launched attacks on KNLA in early June. They arrived at temporary camps in Mae Thari, Thalay Hta, Au Thuu Hta and Noe Bo area. Over 4,000 refugees are living in these camps.
