Chin refugees totaling 289 arrested

VOCR

13th March, 2010

Kuala Lumpur

A long planned preparation of Malaysia government has been starting the mass operation which has been announced ahead to wipe out illegal foreign workers and 289 Chin refugees including women and children who mostly recognised refugees were arrested during the first raid at Taman Bukit, Cheras on 11.03.2010 midnight. According to sources from there, mostly the arrestees of Chin refugees are from Matupi Township, southern Chin state, Myanmar.

After the raid was over, all arrestees were taken to Putra Jaya immigration office for further investigation and less then 259 holders of UNHCR card were released on the next day early morning. But 21arrestees, including four months pregnant women and thirteen years old boy holders of both CRC and ACR card are sifted to Lenggeng detention center.

"When the operation started at 2:00 am, all residents were in-awe shock and the entire apartment is overwhelmed with the sound of knocking door and roaring of the dwellers. We don't know where to hide and just fleeing to escape the raid as the Rela has already surrounded the entire apartment. Is it a purposefully targeted for the recognized refugees or the illegal workers" Myo Chit Aye said.

Soon after the recent operation (joint program of Immigration, Rela and Police) breaking out, the new speculation on security issues is mounting high among all the refugees community. That would be a new chapter for international consideration if that would be ongoing unstopped. All good dreams that's been absorbed once the government declared temporary ID would be issued for those of recognized refugees are becoming fainted days after days.

Besides, the raid swept over 8 of Chin recognized refugees on 8^th of March in Klang in plastic factory. The main reason of the arresting was said that working with UNHCR card is not allowed here despite the explanation of how they are unsupported. It was when the source being reached, known that they all were sent to Lenggeng Camp (detention centre).

by Salai C C