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BURMESE ARMY SHELL HWAY KALOK REFUG



Date: March 11, 1998 


                                    
               BURMESE ARMY SHELL HWAY KALOK REFUGEE CAMP
                                    
                          Measot, Tak Province.


The Democratic Buddhist Karen Army (DKBA) shelled and attacked Yway
Kalok refugee camp in Thailand at about 2:00 am on March 11, 1998,
reducing the whole refugee camp to ashes and reportedly killing one
refugee, wounding 20 others and kidnapped an unknown number of
refugees before retreating back into Burma.

According to initial reports from Maesot, near the Thai-Burma
border, the members of the DKBA heavily shelled the refugee camp
from Wangkha camp on the Burma side before they entered the camp.

As soon as they entered the camp the DKBA soldiers began to fire at
random and at everything they saw in the camp. Afterwards, the DKBA
burned down all the houses.   

Amid the chaos from the shooting and the fires, the refugees were
so afraid that they tried to run into the jungle. However, to their
surprise and horror, the DKBA soldiers were already there waiting
for the refugees. They kidnapped a number of refugees and at the
same time looted the camp.

Although this is not the first time the camp was attacked this is
worst incident that has happened to a refugee camp, according to
reports from Maesot.

The wounded are being treated in Maesot hospital while relief
organizations based in the area have sent medical supplies and
medics to take care of the refugees who escaped the attack.  

The DKBA is an armed organization founded and supported by the
State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to force Karen refugees
to return home. 

More report will follow.

All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF)