[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index ][Thread Index ]

Update on Burning down Of Huay Kalo



Source: Karen Refugee Committee (KRC). (Time of Inquiry: 12-45 hours Thai
Time)
	The burning down of Huay Kaloke aka Kawmoora Refugee camp, near Maesod
town on the Thai-Burma border, this morning (11-3-98)at about 1 a.m.( Thai
Time), is believed to be by a combined force of troops from the Democratic
Kayin Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the State Peace and Development Council
(SPDC)Army. The number of attackers who actually put the camp to the torch
is estimated to be 100 strong, divided into 3 groups. They approached and
entered the camp from the east side of the camp apparently to avoid the
Thai security guards of the Camp. 
	There was no report of clashes with or resistance by the Thai troops
guarding the camp.
The attackers fired automatic rifles, rifle-launch grenades and 60mm
mortars. There
are about 33 seriously wounded refugees, some by bullets and some by fire. One
pregnant woman and a child were burnt to death. Apparently, they were first
wounded by gun fire and could run out of burning houses.
	The Thai guards prevented entry of NGO personnel into the camp before the
arrival of the Thai 3rd Army higher-ups for inspection. However they
allowed the water delivery trucks of the KIC to enter the camp area.
	It was said that not the entire camp was consumed by fire. Some houses
were left untouched by fire in Wards No. 6
and 7 which are near the Buddhist monastery of the camp. Of the 10 school
buildings, only 2 were burnt down. Since the camp
is in a treeless area, the refugees either have to huddle in the remaining
school buildings and the monastery or under shanty make-shifts, in order to
hide from the scorching sun, which is rather severe at this time of the
year. The population of the camp is 8,975, according to KRC monthly
reports.