SIPHRO

Aizawl, January 27, 2006: Even as the number of Hmar refugees keeps increasing, the refugees said they would not return to their homes unless permanent security is provided to them.

“Even though their villages have been cleared of Meitei militants by security forces, the refugees are still in fear as they believe that the militants would come back any time. So they are afraid to go back unless permanent security is provided to them,” reported a journalist who visited the refugees a few days back.

Leaders of Hmar National Union have visited the refugees at several villages in the northeastern parts of Mizoram bordering Manipur and also those who were left behind at their villages in Manipur during the past few days.

Till today the number of Hmar refugees who fled their homes in Tipaimukh constituency of Manipur frightened by Meitei militants keep increasing. “The exact number could not be ascertained as the refugees as many of them went to their relatives and friends in different villages. They could be over 1000,” a HNU leader was quoted as saying.

The refugees have been scattered in villages of Sakawrdai, Khawpuar, Vaitin, Sesawng, Darlawn, Ratu, Suangpuilawn, Phuaibuang, Khawlian among others.

According to sources from refugees the offensive of the Meitei militants began after the security forces’ operation against the UNLF camp in the area before last December where some Hmar villagers were used by the security forces as guides. Around 30 UNLF militants were killed in the operation.

At least three Hmar villagers have been killed in land mines while many others tortured and women raped following the “Meitei militants’ vengeance”, a source said adding that farmers in Ngampabung and Tinsoung villages could not harvest their paddies in fear of land mines.

The refugees insisted that at least three army posts be set up in Parbung area.

Source: Newslink