Voice of the Zomi Refugees:: Zomi International Refugee Council

Refugees @ work

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:59:00 -0700

A refugee being beaten by the boss when requesting for his salary which is over due of payment.

Use refugees for labour needs

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Thu, 14 May 2009 07:00:00 -0700

DIPLOMATICALLY SPEAKING:By DENNIS IGNATIUS

The predicament of Myanmar refugees in Malaysia has been grabbing international media attention. There are growing calls for the Government to address the issue.
FOR the last several weeks, the international press has been highlighting the sad plight of the more than 80,000 Myanmar refugees in Malaysia.
An explosive report by the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee that was released recently alleges the involvement of some Malaysian officials in the trafficking of these refugees. The refugees have reportedly been abused and harshly treated by other government agencies, including Rela.
The Government has until now, consistently denied all allegations of mistreatment, abuse or trafficking. The former minister of home affairs rejected these allegations outright.
The allegations themselves are not new. Malaysian and other NGOs have been voicing similar concerns for years. Malaysian print and television media have also featured investigative reports on this issue. Just google 態urmese refugees ?Malaysia?and dozens of sites will pop-up.
In need of serious attention: Myanmar refugees participating in a demonstration outside the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur in this January file picture.-AP
The UN High Commission for Refugees has also expressed alarm at the treatment of refugees in Malaysia. Anyone who bothers to seek out these hapless refugees, in and around our larger cities, and talk to them, as I have, will be shocked by their stories of harassment, intimidation and abuse.
Of course, there may be some exaggeration involved. Nevertheless, their stories are credible, compelling and distressing, and must be taken seriously. Denial is not an option any longer.
It is to our great shame that we treat people who are fleeing from oppression in such a callous manner. It goes against the norms of decency and violates international conventions on the treatment of refugees. It even flies in the face of our own claim to be 揳 caring society.?/p>
Pretending that this problem does not exist in the hope that it would go away is not going to work. The issue has now gained international traction.
European and Canadian parliamentarians, together with members of the US Congress, have taken up the cry, as have many respected NGOs.
Even our own parliamentarians are demanding action. We can therefore expect more negative publicity and criticism from abroad. It is going to get very messy unless appropriate action is taken.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has done the right thing in calling for a thorough investigation. Our Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan has promised the same. Officials and others who are found to be complicit in these abuses must be brought to book. We have no obligation to defend them or cover up for them.
However, these encouraging statements must now be followed up with a more comprehensive plan of action that should include the following:
First, a policy decision must be made to recognise that legitimate refugees are different from illegal and other economic migrants. The UNHCR already has in place a credible refugee registration system. Malaysian agencies should recognise UNHCR refugee documentation and extend appropriate protection to those who hold them. The harassment of refugees must end immediately.
Second, the Government should henceforth give priority to documented refugees when it comes to recruiting temporary foreign labour. It makes no sense to contract thousands of foreign workers from abroad, and particularly from Myanmar, when we already have a huge pool of unemployed refugees within our borders.
By providing refugees with legal employment, they will be able to live in dignity while awaiting resettlement in third countries.
Third, the Government should acknowledge the work of our NGOs in caring for the refugees despite many limitations, including hostility from some government agencies.
These NGOs are already on the ground and have a good track record. With even modest government assistance, support and encouragement, they can do much to help the refugees.
Fourth, the Government should take the initiative to host an Asean conference on refugees. Resettlement countries, as well as China, should be included.
The objective would be to construct a proper regional framework to prevent the abuse and trafficking of refugees and speed up their resettlement to third countries.
Myanmar抯 military rulers must also be persuaded to end their campaign of terror against their own minorities.
There is, of course, the fear that extending humanitarian support to refugees would open the floodgates, so to speak.
The real problem we face, however, is not from genuine refugees but from out of control illegal immigration that is exacerbated by corruption and short-sighted labour recruitment policies. The unfortunate people fleeing from tyranny in Myanmar should not have to suffer because of this.
Najib has a unique opportunity to mend the damage done to our international image and to restore our own self-respect. Bold measures are needed, and needed quickly.
Malaysians, too, can help by reaching out to these refugees with the care and compassion that has always been our hallmark, instead of reacting with fear and suspicion.
In the final analysis, the measure of a country is not the high ideals it claims to possess but the compassion and care it shows to the weak and vulnerable in its midst. Malaysia must rise to this challenge.
Datuk Dennis Ignatius is a 36-year veteran of the Malaysian foreign service. He has served in the United Kingdom, China, the United States, Chile and Argentina. He retired as High Commissioner for Malaysia to Canada in July 2008.

http://thestar.com.my

A New Ray of Hope for the Zomi Baby

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:30:00 -0800

Moses Hau (UN Name), Tg. Hau Khat Khai a (7 Months) boy was born in Klang Hospital on June 30, 2008. The pregnancy life of the mother was spent in the detention camp in Malaysia and he was not expected to survive for this long according to the Doctor, said his mother. However, it has been such a miracle to see him healthier and helthier every day. However, he will need to do medical checkup very soon which will cost at least RM. 2000. The amount of RM. 1000/ has been collected by the contribution of well wishing friends but we are yet to receive another half for the check-up of my son, said Thang Kap Lam Sing, the baby father. The continual survival of this baby is dependend upon the contribution of individuals as the family could not support even themselves well.

"We would like to thank the Zomi volunteer leaders for helping us and putting the issue to the UNHCR. They are now supporting us with the sum of RM. 400/month for our baby and our gratitude goes to the Zomi leaders for sharing our burden" he added.

Mother: Man Sian Cing, 22 and the Father: Thang Kap Lam Sing 23 taking nutrition from for free of charge.

God has brought us step by step for a better health of our baby...

(c) ZHRN: Taken on January 20, 2009.

"It is indeed a miracle of God to see this baby healthy as of this date. God must have a purpose in the life of this baby," said a Zomi volunteer leader.

Another Terrible Accident in Myanmar

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 02:38:00 -0700

CNG (Myanmar-made gas tank) explored near Yangon City recently.

Broken arm of a Zomi

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 23:56:00 -0700

Broken arm of a Zomi refugee. Zo Taang fall down from the lorry he was driving and his Right arm was broken, Malaysia.

Terrible Accident

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 19:35:00 -0700

Terrible accident in the past year.

Baby of a Zomi refugee from Myanmar

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Fri, 4 Jul 2008 08:48:00 -0700

Baby of a Zomi refugee from Myanmar

A Zomi refugee from Myanmar, Man Sian Cing, 22 was fled from Myanmar under harsh treatment and persecution by the Military Junta. Due to the so called “registration policy” by the UNHCR in Malaysia, she was not able to get registration though she has long been waiting for refugee recognition. One early morning at her work place, five immigration personals wearing no uniform came up and raided her while she was washing the dishes at the back side of the restaurant in Bukit Tingi Klang. She has been pregnant for 1 month.

The authorities send her to Kajang jail and later transferred to Saminyih detention camp. She could hardly survive in the detention camp from November 6, 2007 to March 28, 2008. She spent her pregnant-life in the detention camp for about 5 months.

During her stay in the detention camp the authorities-in-charge gave no enough sleep knowing that she is pregnant. She has to fall in line for 3 times a day while scolding and shouting at her. There was not even enough sun light or fresh air for this unhealthy woman. Speaking no English, Malay or any other language, she spent her day with tears in the detention camp for five months in the absence of her husband. She did not get any medication for her baby despite, she was suffering from various sickness, nausea, headaches and other painful experiences during her stay in the camp. She had to take water from the tap while it is at the same time used for washing clothes and sanitation purposes. Her breakfast is ‘teh O’ with rotten bread. Whenever, she feels unhealthy, she had to fall in line and wait for 3 days to get a single tablet of ‘penadol.’ The intention is to find out whether the person truly feels sick or not. The authorities would let the sick people wait for 3 days and on the third day or forth day, they will release one tablet of medicine to whoever is needed the most. Lunch is served at 2:00 P.M and dinner is at 6:00 . The food they served are salty dry fish, left over from the market. Beef is served once a week. Rotten and smelly Chicken is served once a week for the detainees. There is no nutrition contains in either food they served. The poor pregnant woman spent 5 months of her hard life alone in the detention camp with lots of nightmares and hardships.

The UNHCR graciously helped her out from the detention camp after 5 months on March 28, 2008 and finally gave her refugee registration. Her RSD interview appointment will be in September 2008.

As Man Sian Cing was about to give birth to her baby, she went to the hospital for medication check up. However, the timing was already late and the baby would not get enough vitamins for the bones, said the Doctors. They advised Mrs. Man to abort the baby. Back appearance of the baby

However, due to lack of money and moreover, she is a Christian, she refused the advice of the doctors. She took the risk of giving birth to the baby which eventually came out as the doctors’ advice.

Her medical bill for costs RM. 1180 and the UNHCR’s financial aid reduces 50% of the cost. However, even the remaining money she owes (which is about RM. 590/ equivalent to US $ 180), she could not make it since her husband has no job at the moment. The baby is separately kept at the 6^th floor in the hospital.

The mother cries whenever she sees her baby’s appearance (with no skull)

The greater challenge for her life is how to raise and take care of this baby whose husband has no job while she is still unhealthy and could not even make payment for her medical bills at the hospital.

Updated News:

According to the news we've received two days ago, the UNHCR had paid the medical bills for this baby at the hospital on 10.07.2008. However, what is more needed for this baby as well as for the parents is for the survival of this baby with extra care and expenses for emdical treatment after the hospital. The doctor instructed the parents to teach hw to treat and care for this baby under the instuction of the doctors themselves on a day to day basis. It is very important to know the sensitivity of this baby and for the well being of its future by putting extra effort. The ZHRN would like to cogratulate the tireless efforts and contribution of the UNHCR, ACTS as well as the Zomi community and other individuals. It is a tue sirit of co-operation in helping the helpless and vulnerable Zomi refugees and beyond.

Together, we can make a difference for the life of this baby!

Abnormal after releasing from the detention center

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Thu, 3 Jul 2008 05:21:00 -0700

Myanmar Refugee, belonging to the ethnic Zomi group from gone abnormal after the police release her from the detention center in Malaysia. She has been screaming at night saying "release me, release me" and other words "don't put me in the detention center" and other unknown words at home.

Lia Cing Khup was a perfect girl until she was detained by the Malaysian authority. Her mother said, "I lost a perfect girl but they (the Malaysia authority) returned me an inperfect girl" as tears falling down from her eyes. She added, "However, my love for my daughter will even more increase."

Agony of the helpless and vulnerable refugees

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Tue, 1 Jul 2008 23:23:00 -0700

-There are helpless Myanmar Zomi refugees in the detention camp who are suffering with pain under the immigration authority.

-Some of them are suffering with pregnant and, at the Lenggeng camp, there are still pregnant women with 6 months, 7 months respectively.

-It is time for the UNHCR to speak out and and represent who the refugees are and how much they are suffering in a foreign land.

Myanmar Monks were killed mercilessly in Myanmar

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Tue, 1 Jul 2008 22:59:00 -0700

Crime Against Humanity: Burma September Crisis & Uprising.

Here are some other corps...

September 2007 crisis in Burma have caused many lives to grave.

The Burmese monks as well as civilians were killed anonymously in Burma.

Cremation of the Zomi Christian Refugees

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:44:00 -0700

The Zomis are mostly Christians and they do not practice cremation. However,
in some cases, they could not effort to pay for the place to bury and hence, they were
cremated finally. It is a great challenge for the Christians not able to effort to find a place to bury.

Another Death and Accident

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:38:00 -0700

Many vulnerable Zomi refugees die at young age.
A young man, Taang died of falling from the work place ladder.
There was no taker and the brothers don't even know whom to report and what to do
with the corp. They were able to contact the Zomi leaders a day after his death...

Death of Zomi Refugees in Exile

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:17:00 -0700

Death of Zomi Refugees in Exile.

Accident and Death occurs among the Zomi-Myanmar Refugees in Exile.

Panglong Agreement

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:53:00 -0700

Panlong Agreement; Zomi Myanmar History with Boggyoke Aung San of Burma.

Vulnerabilities of the Zomi Refugees from Myanmar

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:48:00 -0700

A Zomi refugee got an accident by spilling acid at his work place but given not compensation by the boss. He was brought to the hospital by the Zomi Association of Malaysia leaders in KL.

Breaking News: Myanmar Refugees were beaten by the Immigration Officers

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:34:00 -0700

Breaking News:
ဳKuala Lumpur, Malaysia

More than 30 Refugees from Myanmar were tied up and severely beaten by the detention authorities at Samenyith immigration deportation camp just the outskirt of Kua Lumpur, Malaysia.

Some are believed to be the Zomi ethnic group of Myanmar according to the SMS we've received 10 minutes ago from the a reliable source.

It is believed that the UNHCR legal lawyers and Malaysia BAR Council are following up with this case as soon as possible.

As of end May 2008, there are some 3700 refugees and asylum-seekers registered with the UNHCR in Malaysia.

-35100 are form Myanmar comprising 13300 Rohingyas from the Northern Rakkhine State of Myanamr, 13300 from Chin State, Myanmar and 3900 Myanmar Muslims and 3900 while the remaining are other ethnic minorities from Myanmar.

There are some 4600 refugees and asylum-seekers from other countries, including some 1800 Sri Lankans, 580 Iraqis and 470 Somalis.

68% of Refugees and Asylum-seekers are men, while 32% are women.

There are some 10000 refugee children below the age of 18, among whom 6000 are of school going age (7-17) years.

Quoted from the UNHCR

A True Spirit of World Refugee Day

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 05:34:00 -0700

A True Spirit of World Refugee Day

The World Refugee Day was celebrated under the leadership of ACTS, funded by JRS Singapore while gathering various patients, children, multi cultural ethnic groups and different refugee organizations at Batu Arang. Two representatives from each group and organization which made up to more than 150 congregation including local and international partners at the celebration on Sunday, June 22, 2008 from 10:00-5:30 P.M.

The first session of the gathering started with observation and silence prayer for the Naris Cyclone victims of Myanmar nationals, the Myanmar authorities as well as for the Myanmar refugees in Malaysia. Each group representative presented their traditional song and dance wearing their native attire. It was not only a day of observation but rather it was more of celebration to uplift the moral and physical depression and stress. It was such a beautiful gathering as no discrimination had taken place and no favoritism was given to any group by another realizing the equality of human being. During the gathering service, the patients and refugee children enjoyed it as they even forgot their status being a refugee and patients. No other activities can replace this memorable gathering under the leadership and initiation of A-Call-To-Serve organization in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

It was a valuable gathering and equal participation by various refugee and community organizations such as the Zomi, Rohinya, Chin, Mon, Kachin, Shan, Karen, Karenni, Myanmar etc. calling them by their true identity accordingly. The organizers sacrificially dedicated to materialize this event and it is worthwhile to learn and adapt by other organizations like NGOs, and the UNHCR itself. There should be more action of showing LOVE and less judgment of refugees in the midst of hardship and sufferings with fear in exile said a Zomi correspondence. A Zomi observer said, today’s celebration was Christ-centered and we are expecting for more gathering like this in the future he added. It is indeed a true spirit of World Refugee Day celebration for the outcast and vulnerable refugees in Malaysia.

Giving Hope, Giving Life= Creating their World

Zomi Myanmar Refugees were charged under Section 6 (3) by the Immigration of Malaysia

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:29:00 -0700

The Star Online > Nation Sunday June 15, 2008

Village of illegals exposed

By STEVEN DANIEL

KUALA LUMPUR: A community of illegal immigrants living in a forest near Taman Desa, Kepong, was uncovered by Immigration officers who arrested 48 people, mostly from Myanmar.

There were eight women among them aged between 20 and 37 years. City Immigration Department director Mohd Khamdee Khuzaini Tukiman said they were detained yesterday morning after two years of surveillance.

He said 66 people from four departments, including the Immigration Department, Rela, Civil Defence Force (JPA3) and National Registration Department took part in the operations.

In the 11.30am raid, the enforcement officers posed as construction engineers who trekked 15 minutes into the jungle before reaching the village.

Some of the immigrants were cooking and did not realise the impending raid.

But once they realised what was happening, most of them gave up without a struggle, though a few dashed into the nearby forests to avoid capture.

“They built make-shift shacks to live in, two kitchens to cook their meals and even a place of worship. A large water tank was also found nearby,” Mohd Khamdee said.

He said the village, believed to have been set up a year ago, housed immigrants who worked in nearby factories.

“We also received information from the public that on Saturdays up to 150 Myanmar nationals from nearby areas who would meet in the village to party,” Mohd Khamdee added.

Several objects, which could have been used as weapons, were also seized in the raid.

He said all of them had no documentation and would be sent to the Semenyih detention depot while waiting to be charged with violating Section 6 (3) of the Immigration Act.

He advised locals not to employ and protect illegal immigrants and urged them to call the respective state immigration departments if they had any information on illegal immigrants in their areas.

source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/15/nation/21558704&sec=nation

PS: These are from the Zomi ethnic group members of MZO (Malaysia Zo Organization) and SOM (Siyin Organization of Malaysia) living in the jungle camp. What the media releases in the public is note in favor of the Zomi refugees from Myanmar. The refugees have to be alert and be vigilant in Malaysia.

Note:

Section 6(3) Immigration Act 1959/63
	A foreign visitor whose presence in Malaysia can be interpreted as illegal entry if :
	Fails to produced a genuine passport/travel document upon request Passport/travel document does not have a valid entry endorsement/visit pass
	The penalty for an offence on illegal entry :
	A fine not exceeding RM10,000.00 or to imprisonment for a exceeding 5 years or both A compound of RM3,000.00
	As such foreign visitors are reminded :-
	To take precaution on the safety of their passport/travel document and must carry with them during their stay in Malaysia Must ascertained that they produced their passport/travel document to an Immigration officer at the point of entry and has been issued with the relevent pass. To report immediatly to the Immigration Department on the lost of their passport/travel document.

Reff: http://www.imi.gov.my/eng/perkhidmatan/im_Permit.asp

Fraudulent has its ways as usual among Burma Refugees in Malaysia

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:37:00 -0700

Fraudulent has its ways as usual among Burma Refugees in Malaysia

The CRC (chin refugee center) send out SMS (text messages) saying that the UNHCR will come to Genting Highland Camp for registration on June 13, 2008. Due to the news wide spread among the refugees in KL areas, the depressed and ignored Zomis who are from Chin State came to the camp spending hundreds of money for their taxi fares hoping that they will have a change to be included for the registration if the said news were true. However, those who rushed up to the camp were asked to contribute Rm. 30 each by the so called Chin refugee committee who spread the news. The leaders said “if the UNHCR would not come to the camp you all are donating for the committee, and if they do come you are exchanging the registration with Rm. 30 only” said a witness who was the victim of vague news.

In this regard, the UNHCR service is FREE OF CHARGE and, the UNHCR never tells anyone of when and where they will take registration. It is still unclear of who in the world would ask money for UNHCR registration because the interviewee (Tanng Mung) does not believe that the UHNCR would charge money for every new registration they will do in the jungle camp as well as in other areas they according to their procedure.

However, the sad thing is that those who chased after this incident don’t even know how this case has sprung up and who is responsible for the wrong information. It is naturally deceivable for the refugees who are have been spending waiting for UNHCR recognition for many years in the camp. Receiving such misleading information resulted into loose of money for the refugees especially the Zomis as it is not the first time. It has been happening from time to time to add stress and depression to the helpless Zomi refugees. The culprit behind this treat is still not known as of this date. However, one thing for sure is that that person has access to the UNHCR office/ officer, which has the ability to mislead the Zomi refugees. One thing strange about this incident is that those who chased after the wrong information are all Zomis.

On Friday, June 13, 2008 the UNHCR did not come to Genting Highland camp but rather one correspondence called Paul Rung Er Ling, from the Chin Refugee Center and another white woman were in the camp in front of the refugees. They convinced and promised that they will give UNHCR registration when they come again.

The Zomi Human Rights Network strongly condemned such activities in untruthful manner which misguides the poor and helpless Zomi refugees. The vulnerable Zomi refugees face security concern for such activities on their way and the worst thing is that they lost their money for nothing which they hardly earn or borrow from other people from their day to day survival. The ZHRN including various Zomi organizations and Zomi worldwide will continue to protect the helpless Zomi refuges from such fraudulent treats in the future as it embraces the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

News Alert: Raid of Zomi Refugee Camp Saturday, June 14, 2008

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:28:00 -0700

News Alert: Raid of Zomi Refugee Camp (Saturday, June 14, 2008)

There are more than 10000 Zomi Refugees who fled from fear of persecution, prosecution, religious and racial discrimination in Malaysia. They hardly survive their day-to-day living. Many of them stay in the jungle camp for lack of enough money to survive. They face various treat of life and security concern from raid by the authorities.

On Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 12:00 Noon, the RELA raided the Zomi refugee camp Wangsa Permai (Kepong) while the only hope they have on a day to day basis is the security protection of the UNHCR. There were 30 people including, patients, women and children were arrested while the rest (the stronger and faster people) of 40 out of 70 were able to run for their life in the deeper forest.

According to the recent SMS we received 5 minutes ago said, 30 of them were taken to Kota Damansara police station, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Malaysia authorities raided 18 Zomi refugees including women, minor (children under age), and patients a month ago in April of this year. They were wrongly accused of “Lenggeng camp” fire incident and, were beaten to blood, tortured and treated inhumanly. The pain and suffering of what the Zomi refugees went through in both physically as well as emotionally tumor is in their heart, while this incident doubles the suffering, pain and fear by the Zomi refugees living in Malaysia. However, according to a reliable source among those refugees, the UNHCR have not taken protection for those detained and vulnerable refugees.

“We are not sure of how the UNHCR will respond to today’s incident both to the 30 arrested Zomi refugees as well as those vulnerable people who managed to escape in the jungle spread out here and there” said a 40-year old Zomi refugee woman.

She added that “we have no clue of how to keep in contact with our relatives deep in the jungle as they run for their life in the strange forest.” It would be easy for me if they were arrested by the authority because we’re sure that they are somewhere in the detention camp or in the jail but we now, are worry more for their life in the deep jungle as we have no contact with them while tears.

There are more than ten thousands of Zomi refugees and other ethnic minorities in Malaysia; the UNHCR is the only International Body to protect the vulnerable refugees because Malaysia did not sign the 1951 Refugee Convention. The UNHCR-Malaysia is the only possible source to give hand and protect the refugees but due to low process, skipping for the Zomi and long queue of vulnerable refugees waiting for refugee recognition in the dangerous jungle camps and any other places they find for survival.

Photos: This is how Zomi refugees in Malay are spending their live for day-to-day survival.

Death of a Rejected Zomi Refugee for Family Inclusion

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Thu, 5 Jun 2008 01:00:00 -0700

Attach photo is "Pu Thang Khan Thawng" infront of the UNHCR office 1 day before he passed away. He was queued up for "Family Inclusion' registration for his family since January 08 until today. However, the UNHCR policy (according to the officer with an eye witness) accepts only 25% of Zomi out of all who queued up at the office on June 3, 2008 under the heavy sun. The Zomis presume that if the UNHCR grant registration fairly just as they give to other refugee communities; Pu Thang would not face a sudden shock.

The vulnerable Zomi refugees took the risk of the authority and they came along for the first time Zomi family inclusion for the refugee registration on Tuesday, June 3, 2008. It is the first time ever for Zomi refugees in Malaysia to have a chance of “family inclusion” by the UNHCR. Pu Thang was one among them who lined up with the Zomi crowd on Tuesday. Upon hearing the rejection of the Zomis’ “family inclusion,” Pu Thawng left shaking his body with red face angrily when THE OFFICER announced their rejection of the Zomi Refugee that seems to be discrimination and favoritism in the application on June 3, 2008.

“Many Zomi Refugees who fled for their life in Malaysia seeking for asylum have deceases like high blood pressure, heart attack and mental health problem etc. due to sudden death, treat of life and fear on a day to day survival even in Malaysia,” said a Doctor who treat medication and counseling for the Zomi refugees.”

Burial Service : Cheras Cemetery
Time : 1:00 P.M
Bus : 12:00 P.M (1 Bues from ZAM, another from May Bank)
Day : Friday, June 6, 2008

Name : Pu Thang Khan Thawng
Age : 62
Clan : Hatlangh
POB : Anlangh, Zogam

Lamentation of the Zomi Refugees in India, Maylay and Thai in the jungle!

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Mon, 19 May 2008 05:45:00 -0700

Lamentation of the Zomi Refugees in India, Maylay and Thai in the jungle!

We were born in the hilly area in between Burma proper and Assam India,
Which our ancestors called “Zogam”.

Aliens invaded our Zogam, colonized us and seized our sovereignty;
And named the hills, the dales, and the territory “Chin Hills”.

By birth we are “Zomi” the name by which our fore fathers called themselves before pre history.
But the invaders imposed “Chin” to us, to mean uncivilized people.

Christianity civilized our society, opened our eyes, and then we knew how to read and write.
Civic, manner, etiquette, and ethic were part of our life began.

Harmony and tranquility endeavored in our Zogam
Henceforth love, peace and joy endured.

Our fore-fathers fought for independence and gained in 1948, to free from imperialism.
Our portion was inequality, partiality being as a minority Christian ethnic in the Union of Burma.

Military government took power in 1962, in which we lived in danger and uncertainty.
Misled the country, misappropriated it’s wealth to lead to the poorest nation in the world.

Nation wide demonstration for Democracy broke out in 1988,
Neither Democracy nor freedom was gained; instead tyrant military junta took power.

Sadistic soldiers were everywhere; ethnic cleansing and burmanization are their policy.
Search porter for human shield and conscript minor for human mine detector in the battlefield.

Force labor, force sex slave and torture are their daily practice and norms;
Freedom from fear we fled out of our beloved homeland.

Seek refuge in India and Thai Myanmar border Refugee camps,
Since we are poor and weary to reach to Malaysia.

Cry for help to our Zomi brethren and Zomi Innkuan,
Compassionate concern is bestowed only to Zomi refugee seekers in Malaysia.

We are the abandon and forgotten Zomi refugees,
Where art thou, thou who say “ I was born as Zomi, live as Zomi and shall die as Zomi”.

We have no access either telephone or Internet to contact with the outside world.
Who will come and help us, who will advocate our sufferings and hunger to the authorities,
We will lift up our eyes to the hills-From whence comes our help? Our help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. All mighty GOD, THOU art our Comforter and Hope.

Source: Zomi International Network

SMS Scam and Zomi Refugees

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:21:00 -0700

Jesus would SMS you one day and say …I’ll give you the UNHCR registration even though the UN would not recognize us a chance of being a refugee in exile…” laughing and said. May youngsters are still unclear of the rumor knowing that it is impossible. What makes them doubt could be the pre-assumption of horror movies like “Miss Call, Iron Man”

There have been so many phone hoaxes lately especially in Malaysia. How could a well-informed person be doubtful about all these things as we have seen so many scams like: Nokia warning against hoax SMS. http://www.bt.com.bn/en/home_news/2008/04/29/nokia_warns_against_hoax_sms

Maxis users at: http://www.maxis.com.my/personal/about_us/announcement/notice.asp

DiGi users: http://star-techcentral.com/tech/story.asp?file=/2007/6/26/technology/20070626154134&sec=technology

SMS Bomb hoax in 2005: http://www.textually.org/textually/archives/2005/08/009508.htm

There are actually thons of scams and hoaxes growing almost every week. The biggest question is “Have you look before you jump (in to a conclusion).” Chain letters, chain SMS, Chain e-mails truly annoy people and it can be take-taking to study about. Many people still believe in the modern fancy way of spam and junk mails coming to us while consuming our time and money.

“How could the Zomi refugees afford to buy phone cards, making warning about the news and forwarding this message to other people which takes time and money” while they don’t even have the money to make phone call to their family who are the victims of the Cyclone back home,” Taang added.

It is true that he himself received 3 forwarded warning SMS. Some would believe it and take it true so we can’t even make phone calls after 11 P.M and early in the morning. If you are receiving one, do not forward it to your friends but discard it immediately.

Nothing is benefit by believing in those crept dumb things but it rather effect your…
-Time
-Money
-Worries etc.

Therefore, it is important especially for the Zomis not fall under such fraudulent scams.

Listen to what other Malay bloggers have to say:

http://www.brunei-online.com/bb/fri/may16h13.htm

http://reylit.blogspot.com/2008/05/another-scam-to-hit-country-again.html

http://theshipssoaring.blogger-web.de/

http://booyou-shin.blogspot.com/2008/05/black-magic-through-mobile-phone.html

http://cybreed.blogspot.com/2008/03/scam-sms-again.html

http://www.meshio.com/2008/05/malaysian-world-no-6-in-sms/

Zomi home-made products yet professional

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:56:00 -0700

Zomi Women Income generation supported by the local Churches and NGOs.
The Zomi Women Depart of the Association is gifted in home productions. Home-made yet professional at the market place.
Believe it or not, if there are more investment and raw materials, this could be a huge market locally as well as internationally. That's all about the Zomi refugees in KL.

Zomi Refugee Children Center

zomivoice@gmail.com (Zomi Voice) — Wed, 14 May 2008 04:21:00 -0700

The Zomi Refugee children are under the kind care Zomi volunteer teachers in sync with local churches and organization working together to bring HOPE to the life of these kids. They're smart and active but do they feel rejected as they're refugee?