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....Motto: "Voice for the voiceless,neglected and hidden"....
CHIN REFUGEES IN INDIA COME UP AGAINST A HARD NUT TO CRACK
7:16 PM
Salai Pautu
DELHI
New Delhi: A considerable number of Chin refugees being recognised in 2008 and 2009 by New Delhi- UNHCR , come up against a major problem of registering themselves at a New Delhi branch of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office ( FRRO) , that is the government office which registers foreigners in India and applying for Residential Permits in order to stay in India.
DELHI
New Delhi: A considerable number of Chin refugees being recognised in 2008 and 2009 by New Delhi- UNHCR , come up against a major problem of registering themselves at a New Delhi branch of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office ( FRRO) , that is the government office which registers foreigners in India and applying for Residential Permits in order to stay in India.
India has not ratified either the 1951 Refugees Convention or the 1967 Refugees Protocol. India also does not have its own domestic refugee law... according to HUMAN RIGHT FEATURE.
By virtue of his\ her presence in India, every refugee is subject to Indian laws. He \ She should conduct himself \ herself accordingly at all times. As India has no refugee specific law, his \ her entry, stay and departure are regulated under the laws applying to all foreigners in India.One of his \ her primary duties under the laws is to register himself \ herself and his \ her family members at the Foreigners Regional Registeration Office and apply for a Residential Permit in order to stay in India. His \ her failure to do so may result in his \ her arrest, detention and possible deportation according to New Delhi- UNHCR.
What the 2008 and 2009 newly recognised Chin refugees being in course of applying for Residential Permits in order to stay in India, started to have been asked for cash payments on their previous presence ( while they were asylum seekers) in India by the FRRO officials is the major problem they encounter these days.
The FRRO officials said that to ask refugees in India for cash payments on their previous presenc in India is a rule. Then, they started doing so from the mid- year of 2008.
The cash payment on each refugee's previous presence in India being asked for is worked out at Rs. 25 each per day starting from his\ her arrival date to his\ her refugee recognition date in the New Delhi - UNHCR office. As a rule, New Delhi- based most Chin asylum seekers become recognised refugees after one year or more of registeration at the UNHCR office.For instance, if an asylum seeker and his\ her detofacto partner acquire their recognition refugees status one year of registeration at the office, they shall have to make paymants of Rs.16000-17000 to the FRRO officers so as to come by the Residential Permits issued by the FRRO office.
Around 1995's and 2005's were the years in which the FRRO officials felt sympathetic towards refugees in India ,so regestering refugees at the FRRO and applying for Residential Permits were somewhat easy just like a childplay according to a source.
However, since the mid - year of 2008, everything different that has come up to all newly recognised Chin refugees in India has brought them all dealing with this major problem. The Chin refugees, especially those who live from hand to mouth,have no approach neck and crop to this problem the FRRO officials created. According to sources, there is disagreement among the FRRO officials --- some of them do not wish to ask refugees for payments on their previous presence in India while others really do.
A Chin refugee family in New Delhi (Photo AFP) Chin refugees while in the FRRO office faced up to harsh words spoken to them by one of the FRRO officers at the reception desk who asked them a question of what nationalities belong to them.When they replied, " Burmese", he just asked them whether they had brought the payments to be paid to him or not. They replied, " NO" , then he at once said to them, " Go home!" in an angry manner. The Chin refugees felt small confronting this unfriendly situation.
As a matter of concern, those Chin refugees without holding the Residential Permits Certificates have no legal right in India --- to remain in India as well as no Exit Permit---- to leave for any third country. Instead, the consequences of their lack of the Residential Permits Certificates can render them face the things thay fear most. Accordingly, they are all in need of the legal protection and the immediate action to be taken on their problem. No action has been effectively taken on their desperate problem so far.
The Rela raided Chin Refugees residences in Malaysia
8:32 PM
VOCR
Sunday, 13 September, 2009
Kuala Lumpur
by Salai C C,
This morning, at 8:00 am local time, People Volunteer Corp (RELA), Immigration and Police raided Chin refugees’ residences at Taman Maluri in Malaysia. Exactly, the raid was begun at 8:00 am local time and about 200 Chin refugees were arrested.
Generally, the raid was lead by the Rela and they entered every Chin refugees’ homes and arrested all the people both the UNHCR card holders, UNHCR‘s RSD document (Refugee Status Determination) holders and asylum-seekers (CRC card holders). All arrestees were taken to Taman Maluri police station nearby their residences by five Lorries for questioning.
This morning, at 8:00 am local time, People Volunteer Corp (RELA), Immigration and Police raided Chin refugees’ residences at Taman Maluri in Malaysia. Exactly, the raid was begun at 8:00 am local time and about 200 Chin refugees were arrested.
Generally, the raid was lead by the Rela and they entered every Chin refugees’ homes and arrested all the people both the UNHCR card holders, UNHCR‘s RSD document (Refugee Status Determination) holders and asylum-seekers (CRC card holders). All arrestees were taken to Taman Maluri police station nearby their residences by five Lorries for questioning.
Scene of Chin refugees leaving from police station“As soon as we arrived to Police station the Police and Immigration checked our cards and luckily, they released us after 3 hour of checking and questioning. They released all UNHCR card holders and CRC card holders first. But those holding RSD documents were ordered to remain. After the Rela troop left, the police asked for money to those (RSD) document holders”. But some paid and some refused. But all were released except seven newly arrived refugees, who are undocumented were taken by RELA and still unknown where they are being detained.
During this raid Rela arrested 10 children including four months and five months old babies.
A chin refugee woman sexually abuse by police
5:17 PM
VOCR
13 September, 2009
Kuala Lumpur
by Salai C C,
A Chin refugee’s woman in Puchong formally known as Sung Sung was sexually harassed by the two police at local time 11:00 AM on 08, August, 2009 while she was shopping at Mini Market near from her house in Banda Putri, Puchong.
Ms. Sung Sung is a housewife and she has eight months old child. She was recognized refugee and she had done medical check up under UNHCR schedule for refugees. The incident was happened on day time while the husband was working at different palace.
She said that the two polices without uniform came to our block and they called me and asked me to show Malaysian IC. Because I am not local woman and as I have nothing to show I take-out the UNHCR card and I show them. But the two polices were laugh at me and saying this card is useless and you can do nothing with this card inside our country. They onboard me inside the car and the Malay man flirted my whole body.
Not only the Malay man flirt my whole body but also asked me to show my wallet which contains RM 38 and he took ten Ringgit. He also scolded me and asked me to bring them at my home, but later on, his fellow prohibited him to do so. After his fellow advised him not to be done I was released from this cruel ordeal.
“Even though we the Chin refugee women are not involved at prostitution we have encountered sexual harassment. I am very shameful with my husband. I don’t like all the Chin refugee women to be encountered this kind of sexual harassment” she continued.
The Chin Refugee Committee (CRC) refers this case to UNHCR office and the UNHCR has done interview with Sung Sung regarding this matter. But they had not received any information from the UNHCR office yet.
A Chin refugee’s woman in Puchong formally known as Sung Sung was sexually harassed by the two police at local time 11:00 AM on 08, August, 2009 while she was shopping at Mini Market near from her house in Banda Putri, Puchong.
Ms. Sung Sung is a housewife and she has eight months old child. She was recognized refugee and she had done medical check up under UNHCR schedule for refugees. The incident was happened on day time while the husband was working at different palace.
She said that the two polices without uniform came to our block and they called me and asked me to show Malaysian IC. Because I am not local woman and as I have nothing to show I take-out the UNHCR card and I show them. But the two polices were laugh at me and saying this card is useless and you can do nothing with this card inside our country. They onboard me inside the car and the Malay man flirted my whole body.
Not only the Malay man flirt my whole body but also asked me to show my wallet which contains RM 38 and he took ten Ringgit. He also scolded me and asked me to bring them at my home, but later on, his fellow prohibited him to do so. After his fellow advised him not to be done I was released from this cruel ordeal.
“Even though we the Chin refugee women are not involved at prostitution we have encountered sexual harassment. I am very shameful with my husband. I don’t like all the Chin refugee women to be encountered this kind of sexual harassment” she continued.
The Chin Refugee Committee (CRC) refers this case to UNHCR office and the UNHCR has done interview with Sung Sung regarding this matter. But they had not received any information from the UNHCR office yet.
Nowhere is safe for Chin refugee in Malaysia
12:48 AM
VOCR
06 September, 2009
Kuala Lumpur
by Salai C C
The UNHCR office in Malaysia has been registering the Chin refugee for more than two months but arrest and detention among the Chin refugee is increasing day by day. Even in Jalan Imbi and Pudu areas where two Chin refugee’s offices CRC and ACR are located, police without uniform came and walked along the road and they arrested many Chin refugees.
The UNHCR office in Malaysia has been registering the Chin refugee for more than two months but arrest and detention among the Chin refugee is increasing day by day. Even in Jalan Imbi and Pudu areas where two Chin refugee’s offices CRC and ACR are located, police without uniform came and walked along the road and they arrested many Chin refugees.
Jalan Imbi,where many of Chin refugee are staying
“Even if the Chin refugees are arrested they are not detained or sent them to the camp because the Malaysia camps are struck with Burmese detainees. They (the police) informed to their relatives or community offices and asked to fine the money” one anonymous said.
“Everyday, many police come to Jalan Imbi and they stopped the chin refugee pedestrians and confiscated their money. I arrived to Malaysia since 1999 and I have been staying for more than ten years in Malaysia but I had never seen the situation like this. They tough us like alien. Even the animal has a shelter but nowhere is safe for Chin refugees in Malaysia” one person who stays more than ten years in Malaysia said.
According to one of eye witnesses “It is so difficult to understand that how the police can come every day instead of going to duty at the police station. Everyday, the police who came to Jalan Imbi are the same. I guess they may not have enough salary for living. They really don’t like the people to arrest but confiscated their money” she said.
“Everyday, many police come to Jalan Imbi and they stopped the chin refugee pedestrians and confiscated their money. I arrived to Malaysia since 1999 and I have been staying for more than ten years in Malaysia but I had never seen the situation like this. They tough us like alien. Even the animal has a shelter but nowhere is safe for Chin refugees in Malaysia” one person who stays more than ten years in Malaysia said.
According to one of eye witnesses “It is so difficult to understand that how the police can come every day instead of going to duty at the police station. Everyday, the police who came to Jalan Imbi are the same. I guess they may not have enough salary for living. They really don’t like the people to arrest but confiscated their money” she said.
The two police arresting two of Chin refugees on their way home from work place and they
confiscated their own money.
John Ceu Cung Nung funeral held in Seremban
1:26 AM
VOCR
29/08/2009,
Kuala Lumpur
by Salai C C,
Salai John Ceu Cung Nung is a chin student activist and volunteerable for Chin refugees in Malaysia. Unexpectedly, He was hit by a car on 26/08/2009 at Pandan Indah, Kuala Lumpur and immediately, he was admitted to Pandan Mewah hospital at 8:30 PM. He was severely wounded on his punch; his bow and head as well. As he was seriously wounded, bleeding from his injured on his head till the body was taken a
t forensic department in the hospital.
Salai John Ceu Cung Nung is a chin student activist and volunteerable for Chin refugees in Malaysia. Unexpectedly, He was hit by a car on 26/08/2009 at Pandan Indah, Kuala Lumpur and immediately, he was admitted to Pandan Mewah hospital at 8:30 PM. He was severely wounded on his punch; his bow and head as well. As he was seriously wounded, bleeding from his injured on his head till the body was taken a
t forensic department in the hospital.John Ceu Cung Nung personally demostrating in Yangon, Myanmar on Sep. 2007
When the accident happen a Burmese’s women informed to Chin Refugee Center in Kuala Lumpur but no identification and name were given.She said that two of chin refugees are hit by a car and the police rushed them at Panden Mewah hospital. Just the Chin refugeeoffice received information health coordinator immediately tried to find out the detail and went to the hospital but he was unconscious.
After he was two days and nights in hospital he passed away without saying any word with his family and his friends in Malaysia. He is the one reliable for his villagers and Chin refugee in Malaysia as well.
Salai John Ceu Cung Nung was actively participated at Saffron revolution (the monk demonstration) in Myanmar on September, 2007 and was hunted by the military army and Village Councilor Chairman (VCC) to be arrested. As he could not be safe his life at all and afraid of being arrested by the most worsen military government on the world he leaved his home country for his safety in 2007 to Malaysia. He was recognized refugee and he had already finished Department of Homeland Security (DHS), so he had already engaged to resettle in the United State. But he took a rest with peace before res
ettlement to the United State.
After he was two days and nights in hospital he passed away without saying any word with his family and his friends in Malaysia. He is the one reliable for his villagers and Chin refugee in Malaysia as well.
Salai John Ceu Cung Nung was actively participated at Saffron revolution (the monk demonstration) in Myanmar on September, 2007 and was hunted by the military army and Village Councilor Chairman (VCC) to be arrested. As he could not be safe his life at all and afraid of being arrested by the most worsen military government on the world he leaved his home country for his safety in 2007 to Malaysia. He was recognized refugee and he had already finished Department of Homeland Security (DHS), so he had already engaged to resettle in the United State. But he took a rest with peace before res
ettlement to the United State.The Chin's mouners carrying flowers and walking to the tomb.
One of John's friends and a Chin activist Salai Z T Lian said, “I am deeply saddened by John’s death. I know that John has not only loved democracy and freedom but also believed in them. He was one of the heroes in September, 2007Demonstration on Yangon streets. John usually spoke of Democracy and Freedom, and often criticized Regime Education System when we even met at Tea Shop. Indeed, he has a lot of dream for himself, his Chinland and his country. His voice for Democracy and Freedom will remain forever although he left us on 28/8/2009 as a refugee life in Malaysia”.
“John death is unbelievable for anyone who knows him. I feel like a bad dream when I heard the news John has died. Immediately, I went to the hospital to get death certificated but he was still a live in my heart. I cannot believe that even I saw his body in mortuary. I believed that he may have many words to say with his family, his friends and the Chin people around the world. He is our hero and we have to learn many things from what he has done in the past” Salai Ram Nun Cung said.
While John was a live he was elected for chairman of Chin Exile Student Union and he served for more than one year. In 2008, he also volunteered for interpreter at International Organization for Migrant (IOM) department in UNHCR but he resigned because of his health.
His funeral service was held on 29/08/2009 at Seramban cemetery and more than 300 Chin refugee mourners from Kuala Lumpur area were attended.
Chin Refugee Women Dies after three times operation
11:15 PM
VOCR
25 August, 2009
Kuala Lumpur
by Salai C C,
Ms. Man Don Hau from Tedim, who had suffered hydrocephalus sickness and reported by VOCR on 25 July, 2009 passed away on 21 August, 2009. She arrived to Malaysia in 2009 in order to reunite with her husband and live in secure life, which they had never been in our own country. But her dream was unfulfilled .she left her beloved husband alone in Malaysia.
When she became unhealthy she was admitted to Putra Jaya Hospital but on the same day, she was referred to General Hospital Kuala Lumpur for further treatment. Her husband was recognized refugee but she was still unrecognized due to queue set up by the UNHCR for family reunification.
“She had been operated three times but she could not be saved at all. I did not expect she would pass away, when she was admitted to hospital I believed that she will be recovered soon. I tried to do everything for her and we spent a lot of money for her, expecting her recovery. Even if I do not have to pay for her medical charges I tried to borrow the money from my friends and relatives. Her death is unbelievable” her husband said.
Her husband with tearful also added that “she had been operated three times but she left me. I don’t want to blame anyone on her death but I believed that if I were rich and legal person in this country, we will never face this kind of sorrow, and mourn.
After she was operated for second time, she sadly left a message to her friend, “Even though we live under fears and depressions there, in Myanmar, I just want to go back to see my family before I leave”.
When she was visited by CRC Health coordinator Mr. Henry and VOCR media in the hospital she had already been operated for one time but the doctor wrote a note on her medical file that they found no result. But at the time, she could not open her left eye. In second operation, the husband said that the operation is still uncompleted. But in the third time operation, the doctor said that she could not able to bear the third time operation because she lost most of her energy.
Ms. Man Don Hau is only 24 years old and they have no children. While her husband was trying to add her under his file at the UNHCR office, she passed away unexpectedly. The funeral service was held on 24 August at Seremban cemetery and around 200 chin refugees attended it.
When she became unhealthy she was admitted to Putra Jaya Hospital but on the same day, she was referred to General Hospital Kuala Lumpur for further treatment. Her husband was recognized refugee but she was still unrecognized due to queue set up by the UNHCR for family reunification.
“She had been operated three times but she could not be saved at all. I did not expect she would pass away, when she was admitted to hospital I believed that she will be recovered soon. I tried to do everything for her and we spent a lot of money for her, expecting her recovery. Even if I do not have to pay for her medical charges I tried to borrow the money from my friends and relatives. Her death is unbelievable” her husband said.
Her husband with tearful also added that “she had been operated three times but she left me. I don’t want to blame anyone on her death but I believed that if I were rich and legal person in this country, we will never face this kind of sorrow, and mourn.
After she was operated for second time, she sadly left a message to her friend, “Even though we live under fears and depressions there, in Myanmar, I just want to go back to see my family before I leave”.
When she was visited by CRC Health coordinator Mr. Henry and VOCR media in the hospital she had already been operated for one time but the doctor wrote a note on her medical file that they found no result. But at the time, she could not open her left eye. In second operation, the husband said that the operation is still uncompleted. But in the third time operation, the doctor said that she could not able to bear the third time operation because she lost most of her energy.
Ms. Man Don Hau is only 24 years old and they have no children. While her husband was trying to add her under his file at the UNHCR office, she passed away unexpectedly. The funeral service was held on 24 August at Seremban cemetery and around 200 chin refugees attended it.The husband with tearful speaking at
the funeral service
Refugee Organizations and the UNHCR held meeting
11:30 PM
VOCR
21 August 2009,
Kuala Lumpur
by Salai C C,
The UNHCR office in Malaysia and all refugee Organizations held a meeting on 21 August, 2009 at Chinese Assembly Hall
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. There are 64 refugee communities and organizations in Malaysia and three representatives from each community and organization attended it. The meeting was hosted by the UNHCR.
Ms. Latchimi from the UNHCR office initiated the meeting and followed by Mr. Elan Vernon (Chief of Mission), and delivered about Social Protection. He said to all participants, “The reason why we call you to attend a meeting with us is that we want to find a new method which would be helpful and benefit for your communities. He also distinguished that how much they wanted to help all refugees in Malaysia, adding they had been in touch with refugee organizations for long time but they still wanted to improve relationship between refugee organizations and the UNHCR.
He also described relating to refugee status in Malaysia that the refugees were in risky-security, no right to employ, housing, education and health. Refugees were isolated across the urban landscape, often group in small enclaves.
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. There are 64 refugee communities and organizations in Malaysia and three representatives from each community and organization attended it. The meeting was hosted by the UNHCR.Ms. Latchimi from the UNHCR office initiated the meeting and followed by Mr. Elan Vernon (Chief of Mission), and delivered about Social Protection. He said to all participants, “The reason why we call you to attend a meeting with us is that we want to find a new method which would be helpful and benefit for your communities. He also distinguished that how much they wanted to help all refugees in Malaysia, adding they had been in touch with refugee organizations for long time but they still wanted to improve relationship between refugee organizations and the UNHCR.
He also described relating to refugee status in Malaysia that the refugees were in risky-security, no right to employ, housing, education and health. Refugees were isolated across the urban landscape, often group in small enclaves.
According to Ms. Latchimi, the UNHCR is ready to provide RM 10,000 for a community which had been registered with the UNHCR. But every community must write proposal and have to explain their expenditure as well before receiving the fund. The communities who want to register with the UNHCR for this fund must have at least less than 100 members.
In the meeting, the participants were divided into twelve persons for one group to discuss what is the most three vulnerable in their communities and what new project they will start if the ten thousands Ringit (RM 10,000) was provided.
In the meeting, the participants were divided into twelve persons for one group to discuss what is the most three vulnerable in their communities and what new project they will start if the ten thousands Ringit (RM 10,000) was provided.
CRC Coordinator Mr Kennedy presenting their resolution
made on group discussion
made on group discussion
The participants were excitedly and joyfully made a resolution on their discussion that they would spend the money for HIV& TB patients who cannot pay their medical costs and to run new school for refugee children in Malaysia.
The UHNCR has been starting mobile registration from July and approximately (7107) refugees had been registered. All refugees are 
waiting for their turns as the UHNCR continue registration.
waiting for their turns as the UHNCR continue registration.Refugees waiting for their turns in mobile registration
An Unforgettable Mt. Gunnung Berinchang(Height 6666FT)
8:47 PM
Salai Z T lian
Rosemary (ACTS, Director) called me and asked whether I was willing to climb the mountain with Allen and Juliet, organized by Yayansan Nanyan Press Foundation, on 16/8/2009 to 17/8/2009 while I was wrestling with my work in Mental Health Department, ACTS. Due to the doubt on my fitness and presuming of hard competition, I requested Rosemary to give me a few times to make decision whether I would be able to climb the mountain as I thought it may be hard competition and I felt that I may need to check my fitness since I didn’t have exercises for a couple of years.
Rosemary (ACTS, Director) called me and asked whether I was willing to climb the mountain with Allen and Juliet, organized by Yayansan Nanyan Press Foundation, on 16/8/2009 to 17/8/2009 while I was wrestling with my work in Mental Health Department, ACTS. Due to the doubt on my fitness and presuming of hard competition, I requested Rosemary to give me a few times to make decision whether I would be able to climb the mountain as I thought it may be hard competition and I felt that I may need to check my fitness since I didn’t have exercises for a couple of years.
At night, I was thinking of whether I should participate in this climbing mountain or not? After taking a day, I have decided to participate in this climbing whatever my fitness may be. And then, I informed her that I made decision to participate in climbing the mountain. She said to me on the phone, “Thank you very much, Salai for being willing to climb the mountain”.
Two days later, Janet sent me a letter regarding to what things I may need to bring along with me in case of raining etc... I have read it carefully. I came to know that I needed to buy a rain-coat after reading a letter from Janet. In order to buy it, I went to Pudu Plaza with Salai Van Cin Mang & Van Kham Hrang Lung and bought a rain-coat. And then, I came back to ACTS clinic where I stay with Van Moong.
Two days later, Janet sent me a letter regarding to what things I may need to bring along with me in case of raining etc... I have read it carefully. I came to know that I needed to buy a rain-coat after reading a letter from Janet. In order to buy it, I went to Pudu Plaza with Salai Van Cin Mang & Van Kham Hrang Lung and bought a rain-coat. And then, I came back to ACTS clinic where I stay with Van Moong.
The time has come to pack my clothes for leaving to Cameron Highlands where I would also participate in climbing Mt. Gunnung Berinchang. While I was putting clothes into the bag, a message entered in my phone. This message was from Jennifer and said, “About 8:00pm, Adrian and I would like to have a dinner with Allen, Juliet and you”. I replied to her, “Thank you very much. See you tonight,”
It was about 5:50pm on 15/8/2009 when I was leaving to ACTS Office with a small bag on my back. Allen and Juliet were already there when I have arrived ACTS Office about 6:30pm.Jenifer and her
husband Adrian picked us up around 8:30pm at ACTS Office and brought us to a very fantastic restaurant: Kim Gary restaurant. We ordered food what we liked to eat as Jennifer and Adrian told us to order whatever food we liked or how much it was. After enjoying delicious food there, we came to ACTS Office, PJ where we slept for a night before leaving to Cameron Highlands. 16 August about 6:00am, Rosemary picked us up at ACTS Office and took us to Nanyan Press Foundation Office in Subang where the Bus to take us was ready to leave.
husband Adrian picked us up around 8:30pm at ACTS Office and brought us to a very fantastic restaurant: Kim Gary restaurant. We ordered food what we liked to eat as Jennifer and Adrian told us to order whatever food we liked or how much it was. After enjoying delicious food there, we came to ACTS Office, PJ where we slept for a night before leaving to Cameron Highlands. 16 August about 6:00am, Rosemary picked us up at ACTS Office and took us to Nanyan Press Foundation Office in Subang where the Bus to take us was ready to leave.A lovely young lady Jess asked me enthusiastically, “which organization are you from?” “We are from ACTS”, I answered her. “Your name is Salai, his name is Allen, and her name is Juliet, right?” She asked me. “Yes”, I replied with bowing my head. “Ok, please can you take a seat on the bus?” She told us. And then, we went into the bus where a couple of people greeted us with smiling. A few minutes later, our Bus was heading to Cameron Highlands. On the Bus, I felt the bus tried to lull me like as a mother rocking a child to asleep on her chest.
We arrived to Cameron Highlands after riding the bus for over 4 hours. There were fresh air and green trees which made us relaxed. We enjoyed fresh vegetable and food for Lunch, and then we went up to Hotel De La Ferns where we have to stay for a night. We all went into our own room. Some were resting by stretching their body on bed. Some were also talking each other. A few hours later, we went together to view Strawberry, various flowers and other plantations. It was fascinated to see Strawberry. Flowers were also so romantic. Cameron H
ighlands’ beauty was unbelievable.
The time came to go back to the Hotel before my desire was not enough to look around. We had a rest for a while in Hotel, and then we went for dinner. After dinner, we had a meeting especially for what we needed to know before climbing the mountain. Ann (Yayansan Nanyan Press Foundation, Director) began briefing about the purpose of this climbing mountain. She urged us that we have to climb the mountain as a team, and reminded us that we should have full cooperation. Mr. Chin (our leader of climbing) told us that what we have to do if we lost the right way, and we should not leave anything else in mountain whatever we carry along with us. The leader of blind group shared his belief that with our help, they (blind people) can get the peak of mountain. He also told us that how to take care of blind people and how to lead the blind people in the jungle. His optimism was unimaginable. After the meeting, we said goodnight to each other and we went to bed. 17 August morning appeared with cold mist .It was the day to start climbing the mountain. We were heading to the bottom of mountain from the Hotel. We were briefed a little bit about climbing the mountain and took group photos after we have reached at the mountain bottom.
ighlands’ beauty was unbelievable.The time came to go back to the Hotel before my desire was not enough to look around. We had a rest for a while in Hotel, and then we went for dinner. After dinner, we had a meeting especially for what we needed to know before climbing the mountain. Ann (Yayansan Nanyan Press Foundation, Director) began briefing about the purpose of this climbing mountain. She urged us that we have to climb the mountain as a team, and reminded us that we should have full cooperation. Mr. Chin (our leader of climbing) told us that what we have to do if we lost the right way, and we should not leave anything else in mountain whatever we carry along with us. The leader of blind group shared his belief that with our help, they (blind people) can get the peak of mountain. He also told us that how to take care of blind people and how to lead the blind people in the jungle. His optimism was unimaginable. After the meeting, we said goodnight to each other and we went to bed. 17 August morning appeared with cold mist .It was the day to start climbing the mountain. We were heading to the bottom of mountain from the Hotel. We were briefed a little bit about climbing the mountain and took group photos after we have reached at the mountain bottom.
It was a foggy and chilly morning where around 60 people including 18 blind persons from Malaysia Association of the Blind (MAB) and myself were gathering to climb Mt. Gunnung Berinchang amid freezing wind. Its height is 6666ft/2031m. Freezing wind chilled us with rainy coldness, but our hearts were still warm. This warmness pushed our hope and belief more vigilant to go forward. Compassion of young’s eyes also gave confident to blind persons to climb up the mountain where dense forest is as dark as night. Actually, it may be even hard to imagine for healthy people to dare climbing such height of mountain through steep and slippery jungle, but all of us including blind people didn’t think that we may not be able to hike the mountain. But we were excited to know of how we could make a difference.
It was 7:00 am over on 17/8/2009. Various birds were waiting for a better day to come by singing the songs. We also waited for our leader to lead us. As our leader was in the position of readiness to start climbing, we were lining up behind him in order to follow him. A few minutes later, the leader started leading us into deep jungle site through a lot of mud and tree roots. We were very careful not to fall down or to break our legs since there were a lot of mud and tree roots which could make us fall.
The dense forest was filled with the voices of saying, “Give me your hand… give me your hand please”. “Please give me your hand, don’t worry for something to happen to you in this journey because I am here to take care of you to get the top of mountain”, one of our friends said to his friend who is blind.“Thank you, without your help, I can’t make it. But with your help, I can”, the blind man also told to one of our friends.
The dense forest was filled with the voices of saying, “Give me your hand… give me your hand please”. “Please give me your hand, don’t worry for something to happen to you in this journey because I am here to take care of you to get the top of mountain”, one of our friends said to his friend who is blind.“Thank you, without your help, I can’t make it. But with your help, I can”, the blind man also told to one of our friends.
The voices of calling: “Abang (brother),Kawan (friend) and Kak (Sister) were melodious with various birds’ singing in the jungle”. The voices of the kind offering: “Give me your hand, please be careful” and “Hold me please and there is a lot of akr (roots)” strengthened us in climbing Mt. Gunnung Berinchang through muddy, slippery, steep and dense forests.
Gently asking, “Are you ok, Kawan (friend)” made us forget our tiredness. Seriously, our concern for one another in the jungle overcame challenge and all of us have reached at the peak of mountain earlier than we estimated. Our success in climbing the mountain indicated that if there is cooperation between the less fortunate and the more fortunate, can be achieved.
All of us (mountain climbers) celebrated happily by clapping our hands, hugging each other and shouting joyfully at the top of Mt. Gunnung Berinchang (photo). The sky shed its happy tears when it heard our triumph. The courageous spirit of blind people and the kind cooperation of local Malaysians were amazing. The leader of (18) blind persons said firmly that the blind people got confidence and interaction through climbing the mountain successfully with their fellow human.
All of us (mountain climbers) celebrated happily by clapping our hands, hugging each other and shouting joyfully at the top of Mt. Gunnung Berinchang (photo). The sky shed its happy tears when it heard our triumph. The courageous spirit of blind people and the kind cooperation of local Malaysians were amazing. The leader of (18) blind persons said firmly that the blind people got confidence and interaction through climbing the mountain successfully with their fellow human.
Although, my heart still yearned to view Cameron Highlands’ natural beauty, and shared joy with the less fortunate but courageous, and the possessors of the kind heart there, but the time to say goodbye to them. Actually, it was too soon to say GOODBYE to them. However, a moment of climbing Mt. Gunnung Berinchang with them remains as an unforgettable part of my life.
A chin refugee attacked and robbed by gangsters
8:40 PM
VOCR
19 Aug, 2009,
19 Aug, 2009,
Kuala Lumpur
by Salai C C,
by Salai C C,
Mr. Thang Uk, Chin refugee from Zephai village was beaten and robbed by the seven-people group of robbery on his way to home from his friend apartment. On 19 August evening, he went to his friend apartment to inquire for working with him as he is currently unemployed. But unfortunately, he encountered with the gang on his way back to home.
The victim said, “The gangsters stopped me and the one who is believed to be Malaysian Chinese approached me and stabbed me with a knife, asking do you want to die. But fortunately, I covered with my left hand and I am not wounded seriously”.
Mr. Thang Uk was recognized as refugee in 2008 and was issued the UNHCR card (Ref No. 354- 08C 4788) on August 17, 2009. When he was attacked by the gangsters they robbed his UNHCR card and wallet including (RM 170) as well.
Not only Mr. Thang Uk but also many chin refugees had been attacked and two chin refugees Mr. Tluang Hei who was volunteer able for chin refugee and Mr. Duh Hnin, 7 years old CSO student, were hit by the car to death in this area where Mr. Thang Uk was attacked.
More than 50 people arrest on Saturday and Sunday
12:42 AM
VOCR
15 August, 2009
Kuala Lumpur
by Salai C C,
On 15 August, the police without uniform raided Jalan Imbi and more than 7 people were arrested. The raid started at 3: 15 evening and many of the chin refugees were fled to hide in another place. On 16 August, Sunday evening, when the chin refugees were their way home from the church the police and CID were started to raid among them and around 50 people were arrested. At the same time, the police also raid Jalan Pudu where the Alliance of Chin Refugee office (ACR) located but we cannot confirm how many people were arrested in PUDU. They were taken to Bukit Jali lock-up. According to one of volunteer worker in Chin refugee office said that just we received a call and saying the police are raiding Jalan Imbi, the Chin Refugee Committee informed all the people in the office not to go out and they waited until the raid finished.
Photo credit: AP **ADVANCE FOR SUNDAY, AUG. 16** In this photo taken on Thursday,July 23, 2009, shelters accommodate detainees at the Lenggeng immigration detention
“After the raid finished one of community leader went to the police station and trying to intervene for their release but he failed because of private intervention. The private intruders had already promise with the police to fine the money for only their relative , so the police officer ignored demanding of a community leader. In previous time, we could release some detainees but today, we can not do nothing. I feel very sad for the people who are under arrested. We hope that the thing will go as usual in previous time but we failed everything because of private intruders” he said.
“We don’t know the reason why the police arrest those who have UNHCR card? Jalan Imbi is a place where the chin refugee office located and many of Chin refugees are staying. The raid is not only one time they had already raided many times before” one refugee man said.
Regarding to arrest and detention, one interpreter from the UNHCR office said that the Malaysia authority do not allow the UNHCR team to meet and register Burmese refugees in the jail, immigration camp and lock-up during fasting month that will be started on next month.
“We don’t know the reason why the police arrest those who have UNHCR card? Jalan Imbi is a place where the chin refugee office located and many of Chin refugees are staying. The raid is not only one time they had already raided many times before” one refugee man said.
Regarding to arrest and detention, one interpreter from the UNHCR office said that the Malaysia authority do not allow the UNHCR team to meet and register Burmese refugees in the jail, immigration camp and lock-up during fasting month that will be started on next month.
New School Calling for Volunteer Teachers
1:40 PM
VOCR
August 8, 2009
Kuala Lumpur
By Salai C C,
Zotung Refugee Committee has established a private school at Sungai Besi, KL. They have four volunteer teachers who are qualified and able to teach at high school level. The opening ceremony was held on August 2nd, and more than 20 people from the Australian High Commission in Malaysia
According to the ZCR chairman, “the school is open to all Chin refugee children in
Concerning the safety of the school for the children, the chairman said that they have not yet received the recommendation letter from the Community Development Unit (CDU) of the UNHCR office but they hope to receive it soon. “When we get this recommendation letter from the CDU department, our school will be a safer place for the children to be in than their own homes.”
The school is now looking for volunteer part-time teachers who can offer their time and skills to teach the English language as well as Bible lessons in English.
Any person who wants to volunteer may call the following numbers for more information:
ZCR contact nos.
012- 3439973
012- 7046 348
A chin refugee beaten by culprits
10:33 PM
VOCR
31, July, 2009, Kuala Lumpur
A chin refugee unknown who was working at factory in Johor Bahru, Malaysia was beaten by culprits and he was severely wounded. The incident was informed to VOCR by manager in the factory where a chin refugee was working but he refused to give detail.
Recently, not only he was discharged from his job but also his salary was deceived by the employer and he demanded his salary to his boss. But the boss ignored his begging and he called the culprits and beaten him. According to manager he is severely wounded and he became unconscious. After he was beaten up the boss lodged a reported to the police and the police patrol car arrived shortly then he was rush to hospital. After he had short-treatment in hospital he was taken to Police station because he has no proper document. He was recognized as refugee with he has RSD UC letter from the UNHCR office but the police did not recognized the letter which he has.
The incident is still under investigating by his friends and community leaders but the authorities may ignore the incident like in a previous time. These kinds of incident have been happening around chin refugee in Malaysia but anyone cannot handle in the court and acclaim for those who were deceived by their boss.
According to one of NGO interpreter this kind of incidents are trying to be handle by Tenaganita NGO but now, so far they handle this incident they cannot do anymore. But the UNHCR is considering who are in this incident.
UNHCR warned communities’ leaders to be trustworthy and accurate in Mobile registration
4:33 PM
VOCR
29 July, 2009
UNHCR held emergency meeting with Chin communities’ leaders around 2 P.M on Monday at UNCHR registration field. During the meeting, UNHCR mobile registration team’s in charge officer explained the reason for meeting and asked communities leaders to warn each representative’s communities to be accurate and honest in mobile registration. UNHCR mobile registration’s in charge also added that there were some fraud cases in Mobile registration and they will take serious action on those cases.
But according to one community leader, “people can not trust on UNHCR’s registration system because it has been changing its policy on the registration process over and again. So, they don’t want to lose their chance to tell their sotry to the UNHCR that how they were persecuted in Chin State, Myanmar. Some asylum seekers never get a chance to tell their claim, even though they had been in Malaysia since 2002 and plus. They are still worry that UNHCR would change the policy on registration again while they are still waiting for their turn”.
29 July, 2009
UNHCR held emergency meeting with Chin communities’ leaders around 2 P.M on Monday at UNCHR registration field. During the meeting, UNHCR mobile registration team’s in charge officer explained the reason for meeting and asked communities leaders to warn each representative’s communities to be accurate and honest in mobile registration. UNHCR mobile registration’s in charge also added that there were some fraud cases in Mobile registration and they will take serious action on those cases.
But according to one community leader, “people can not trust on UNHCR’s registration system because it has been changing its policy on the registration process over and again. So, they don’t want to lose their chance to tell their sotry to the UNHCR that how they were persecuted in Chin State, Myanmar. Some asylum seekers never get a chance to tell their claim, even though they had been in Malaysia since 2002 and plus. They are still worry that UNHCR would change the policy on registration again while they are still waiting for their turn”.
16 Chin Refugees arrested in Jalan Imbi Myanmar store
4:23 PM
28 July, 2009There was unexpected immigration raid at Myanmar store at Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur on this evening and 16 Chin Refugees were arrested. This is the third time surprised raid at Jalan Imbi. According to the confirm information, 16 Chin refugees were arrested inside Myanmar store while they were shopping. But until now we don’t have any further information about where they were taken to.
On the first raid, more than 170 Chin refugees were arrested when police with plain cloths raided on April, 2009 in this area, and they were detained in Bukit Jalil lock up. After about one week in police lock up, some were released but
some were transferred to Immigration camp.
Last month, about 22 Chin Refugees were arrested at the same place. That was second evening raid with plain cloths. They all were detained at Bukit Jalil lock up and some are released by the help of UNHCR, CRC and ACR.
Last month, about 22 Chin Refugees were arrested at the same place. That was second evening raid with plain cloths. They all were detained at Bukit Jalil lock up and some are released by the help of UNHCR, CRC and ACR.
Burmese restraurants In Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur
Hydrocephalus Over Chin Refugees in Malaysia
9:58 PM
VOCR
25 July, 2009,
Chawng Kit, Kuala Lumpur
Three Chin Refugees are in intensive care as they are suffering from Hydrocephalus disease (water on the brain) in GHKL (General Hospital Kuala Lumpur). They all fell suddenly down and when they rushed to hospital, hospital informed that they need operation. Ms .Nan Don Hau from Tedim Township had been operated on her head on 19-07-2009 and according to her husband she needs to do another operation else on tomorrow evening. Her husband is recognized as refugee but she is still unregistered with UNHCR. She was fallen down and rushed to Putra Jaya hospital but later transferred to GHKL. Doctors from GHKL are still looking for the cause and it is still unclear (no result). The other patient Mr. Ngun Tha Cung was fallen down on 14-07-2009 at his residence Jalan Ipoh. According to hospital authority, he has to pay around RM 2500 for operation and additional RM 500 for the bill. But a nurse told VOCR that, “He will not become normal as half of his body was paralyzed and he needs to do exercise regularly to recover completely”; she continued, “If he can pay his medication bills, he can be discharged from hospital now”. However, as he cannot afford to pay the bills, he is still laying in hospital bed. His poor brother is roaming around and trying to borrow some money from other Chin Refugees in Kuala Lumpur for his elder brother’s bill. Another patient from Mindat Mr. Ngei Thiang Hun is also being treated at GHKL for hydrocephalus in the same ward. He was a worker from plantation field in Cameron Highlands and was admitted to Ipoh hospital for the same disease. According to a nurse, “He is going to have operation this evening and we had already informed his brother who is working in Kuantan,” but, as he arrived recently that he doesn’t know how to come to the hospital. Ngei Thiang Hun got an appointment card from UNHCR office for his interview but the hospital didn’t accept the appointment card for 50 % discount that he is also facing financial problem.
In Malaysia, refugees patient who have UNHCR card get 50% discount for their medical bills but who doesn’t have the UNHCR card cannot get any discount. So, the UNHCR card holders have less hardship than the one who doesn’t have UNHCR card in case of health problem.
In Malaysia, refugees patient who have UNHCR card get 50% discount for their medical bills but who doesn’t have the UNHCR card cannot get any discount. So, the UNHCR card holders have less hardship than the one who doesn’t have UNHCR card in case of health problem.
UNHCR in Malaysia actively working on Burmese Refugee Detainees
9:36 AM
VOCR
24 July ,2009, Malaysia
OPI department from UNHCR office, Malaysia visited two immigration camps where Burmese refugees are being detained within this week. On 20, 07, 2009 the OPI team from UNHCR office visited to Penang Juru camp where more than 500 Burmese refugees and migrant workers are being detained. They met more than hundred of detainees and less than 50% was registered. According to one detainee, there are approximately, six Chin refugees who are in the camp and maybe the number of Chin detainees are considered to be more than UNHCR record. Two of them are women and both of them are recognized as person of concerned refugees but the four male detainees had not been registered with UNHCR. On 22-07-2009 UNHCR also intervened with the authority and about 72 detainees were released from Land Kap camp. As all male detainees arrested with Immigration Act were transferred to KLIA camp and some chin female are still remained in Semenyih camp. Amnesty international from London visited to KLIA camp today and they helped some basic needs of detainees. Some analyst described that it was the out come of US senate foreign relationship committee report on human trafficking, as US government enlisted Malaysia on tier three, Malaysian authority became alter on human trafficking syndicates Which was secretly run by immigration officers for their own benefit. Recently more than nine immigration officers were arrested for involving with human trafficking syndicates. Currently South East Asian Association (ASEAN) meeting is being held in Thailand and Secretary of State Mrs. Cliton, recent express on Burma issue was widely publicized in local news papers. But authorities’ treatments on detainees are not improving.
24 July ,2009, Malaysia
OPI department from UNHCR office, Malaysia visited two immigration camps where Burmese refugees are being detained within this week. On 20, 07, 2009 the OPI team from UNHCR office visited to Penang Juru camp where more than 500 Burmese refugees and migrant workers are being detained. They met more than hundred of detainees and less than 50% was registered. According to one detainee, there are approximately, six Chin refugees who are in the camp and maybe the number of Chin detainees are considered to be more than UNHCR record. Two of them are women and both of them are recognized as person of concerned refugees but the four male detainees had not been registered with UNHCR. On 22-07-2009 UNHCR also intervened with the authority and about 72 detainees were released from Land Kap camp. As all male detainees arrested with Immigration Act were transferred to KLIA camp and some chin female are still remained in Semenyih camp. Amnesty international from London visited to KLIA camp today and they helped some basic needs of detainees. Some analyst described that it was the out come of US senate foreign relationship committee report on human trafficking, as US government enlisted Malaysia on tier three, Malaysian authority became alter on human trafficking syndicates Which was secretly run by immigration officers for their own benefit. Recently more than nine immigration officers were arrested for involving with human trafficking syndicates. Currently South East Asian Association (ASEAN) meeting is being held in Thailand and Secretary of State Mrs. Cliton, recent express on Burma issue was widely publicized in local news papers. But authorities’ treatments on detainees are not improving.
Five Immigration officers held for human trafficking
1:12 PM
KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 - Nine people, including five Johor Immigration Department officers, were arrested in several locations in the state since Friday, for alleged involvement in an international human trafficking syndicate.
The suspects were believed to have received payments from a syndicate for the “sale” of a group of people, comprising mostly Rohingya refugees, as forced labour in various sectors like the fisheries industry.Bukit Aman CID director Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin said the police had been monitoring the activities of the suspects, aged between 25 and 40, since March this year.
"According to a victim, the suspects were directly involved in human trafficking, starting from the Malaysia-Thai border to the rat trail believed to be their exit point to international countries."Upon reaching the exit point, the victims were handed over to a syndicate before being taken to a neighbouring country or sent back to Malaysia to work as forced labour," he told a press conference here today.The suspects have been remanded until Friday, and would be investigated under Section 13 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act 2007 which carries an imprisonment for a term which may extend to 20 years and fine, if convicted.
Bakri said the suspects were believed to have worked closely with the syndicate which had been active since last year, adding that the police were in the midst of tracking down syndicate members and their accomplices.
Last month, the United States put Malaysia back on its list of countries suspected of not doing enough to combat human trafficking, together with six African countries, namely Chad, Eritrea, Niger, Mauritania, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
In another development, Bakri said 772 foreign nationals and illegal immigrants were nabbed over the past four years, in connection with several rape cases.For the first six months of this year, he said, 134 foreigners and illegal immigrants were arrested for murder. - Bernama
Fourteen medical students from University of Malaya visited Chin Refugee Camp
6:01 PM
VOCR
18 July, 2009
On 18 July, 2009, fourteen medical students from University of Malaya visited Chin Refugee Camp in Kepong. The camp was built in 2004 and more than 30 persons live there. Most of the campers are from Matupi Township, southern Chin State, Myanmar.
“We have been in the camp for more than four years but no one has registered by the UNHCR. We had informed to the UNHCR office since we started building the camp but they hardly visited us. We were very delighted when they visited us” a camper said.
The students were accompanied by three volunteer interpreters and they spent their times there till midday. The students examined their blood and donated some breads for them. The campers were very appreciated.
Myanmarese body thrown from building
5:51 PM
VOCR
18 July 2009
A Myanmarese was murdered and his body hurled from the a 28 storey condominium under construction in Damansara.
Bawi Tlung Uk 38, a construction worker was believed to have been killed and thrown of the 25 floor of the building on 16 July 2009 (Thursday). The building management discovered the body at 1: 15 pm. Brickfields police chief Abdul Khalid said initial investigation show a criminal motive in the death of the foreigner as there were traces of blood on the floor.
Mr Bawi Tlung Uk is the eldest son of Pu Tin Uk Hmung and Pi Cia Iang of Salen Village, Thantlang township, Chin state. He came to Malaysia in 1995 and returned back to Myanmar in 2002. He married Ni Men Tial. After they had 2 children, he came to Malaysia again in 2005. His funeral service was held on 18 July 2009 at Seremban cemetery. Many Chin refugees attended his funeral service.
Mr Bawi Tlung Uk is the eldest son of Pu Tin Uk Hmung and Pi Cia Iang of Salen Village, Thantlang township, Chin state. He came to Malaysia in 1995 and returned back to Myanmar in 2002. He married Ni Men Tial. After they had 2 children, he came to Malaysia again in 2005. His funeral service was held on 18 July 2009 at Seremban cemetery. Many Chin refugees attended his funeral service.
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