The new refugees in Sairang were apprehended July 3 and later released after being made to clean the Sairang police lockup compound for about two hours.

Village council president Zahmingthanga reportedly warned that if they did not leave within the July 15 deadline the authorities would take dire action, a refugee who had settled in the village for about six months reported.

"We have no other place to go. Let them take action against us in whatever way they please. We dare not return to Burma," one of the refugees was quoted as saying. Another refugee said that authorities justified the action, saying the refugees brought a powder called OB which is in toxicating when mixed with water, and has killed some people so the only way to prevent the danger was to force them to leave.

"There are more than 50 illegal refugees in Sairang, but how many of us will be forced by authorities to return?" he asked. "All the refugees from Burma may have to leave the village."

Authorities in Champhai also repatriated more then 20 Burmese refugees July7, expelling them at night when border gates had already been closed by Burmese border authorities. The repatriated refugees could not enter Burma of return into India. After spending a night in miserable conditions, some entered Burma while others returned to Mizoram.

In Saiha town, southern Mizoram, 10 , 15 refugees were apprehended daily July 7-9 and fined 100 to 200 rupees by police. The inner line permit was suspended until July 16 so when Champhai police superintendent Lalhuliana closed the Indo-Burma Border apprehension of illegal migrants. KNG