Thousands forced to stay in Aceh camps

BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: At least 827 of 3,004 refugee families in camps across the province are refusing to return to their homes because they are afraid of attacks from separatists, an official said here on Wednesday.

Aceh social affairs office spokesman Burhanuddin said many of the refugees no longer had houses after they were destroyed in the ongoing conflict.

A massive influx of refugees hit Aceh mid-last year when the province was placed under martial law on May 19.

Most are camped in South Aceh, Aceh Jaya and East Aceh. -- Antara