The government originally said that the resettlement would be voluntary and that the human rights and selfrespect of the families involved would be guaranteed. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most of the refugees said they were tricked into going by government promises of free food. and many said that they saw soldiers of the regime shoot and kill farmers who tried to run away. The refugees spent several weeks in transit camps which were short of food. water and medical care. People were packed together like animals for long bus rides and trips in Soviet transport planes. Many became ill and died along the way. Many others became ill with malaria upon arrival in the south. a disease they have had no experience with in the northern highlands. Once assigned to resettlement camps the refugees were forced to clear land. build houses and other heavy laborall on a starvation diet. Party officials and government soldiers enforced discipline by beatings and imprisonment. Faced with these horrendous conditions it is no wonder that many have risked death trying to escape and return to their homeland.
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refugees