Army decision to push Shan back defended Bangkok Post - Tuesday 07 June 2005 Army decision to push Shan back defended The Third Army yesterday defended its decision to push back 2,000 Shan civilians taking shelter from a disputed Thai-Burmese border territory, saying its reasons were security-based. Deputy commander Maj-Gen Manas Paorik said the repatriation was justified as the Shans were not classified as refugees fleeing fighting, but illegal migrants. He said some had been in the area for more than a year and were relatives of Shan soldiers. The plan, that calls for the repatriation of Shan civilians, including 200 orphans, drew criticism from human rights groups and Shan State Army chief Col Yawd Serk. Human Rights Watch has called on the government to show sympathy, saying that by denying Shan people refugee status and humanitarian assistance, Thailand was also violating international law. Maj-Gen Manas said the Shan were allowed to stay temporarily, but as fighting had ended they should move back. ~