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Desperate Muslims in exodus



South China Morning Post

Wednesday  June 18  1997

The Mekong Region 
Desperate Muslims in exodus 

BURMA by Agence France-Presse in Dhaka 

The UN warned yesterday of a volatile situation as Burmese Muslim refugees 
trekked into Bangladesh, driven by forced labour, high rice prices and alleged 
discrimination.

Beat Schuter, UN High Commission for Refugees' representative in Cox's Bazar, 
said: "The trickling will continue, although we do not foresee any major 
influx."

He said the Muslims, known as Rohingyas, were being propelled back into 
Bangladesh by economic factors and discrimination by the military junta in 
Rangoon.

Mr Shuter added: "These people face different problems, including excessive 
rice prices, forced labour and excessive taxation, besides discrimination in 
their freedom of movement, forcing them to return to Bangladesh."

Up to 400 Rohingyas tried to cross into Bangladesh last weekend across the 
Naaf River. Most were turned away by soldiers, while some sheltered in a 
United Nations camp or with relatives.