The Odyssey of Saw Kayti

We only got small fish [their only protein source] once a week. Once, a convict overseeing us stole our fish, and an argument broke out between us and the guards. The guards ordered the prisoners to beat us. We were beaten so severely that three of us had to be hospitalized. The next day, the guards apologized.

We asked for better rooms and they gave us a big hall. There, our food rations were increased, and the food was more nutritious.

But although the prison conditions had improved, our minds were not free.

But the prisoners there started to accept us.

Q: How do you get to know you all will be free soon?

A: Our prisoner friends told us. They knew everything. The prison authorities also told us we would be freed soon. They also wanted us to be free. They were happy to hear the good news too. They said once we got refugee status from the UNHCR, the Indian government would give permission for us to stay in its territory for one year. We were overjoyed, but we took things a day at a time.

We prepared all our belongings to leave and checked them again and again. I don't remember how many times I checked my belongings.

The day I was freed, I have no words to describe. As we went through the gate, an applauding crowd welcomed us. And there were a whole bunch of cameras. My eyes were full of tears—tears of joy.

When we arrived in New Delhi, people welcomed us with garlands and shouted, praising us.

In our revolutionary world, a welcome with flowers and garlands is for those who come back from a victory in battle. They were welcoming us like celebrating a victory. I didn't know how to express my joy.

Q: Do you have contact with your family now?

A: I have no idea where my daughters are. Some rebels are in contact with their families. Some lost their parents while they were in the prison. Some are still finding their families, siblings and relatives.

Q: What is in your future?

A: I don't know what to do. I want to go back to Karen State, but we can't, as we all know. I don't know what kind of situation is waiting for us in the future. I’m also worried about our security even though I’m free now. This is not our country, and we cannot be assured of our safety yet. We just have to work for our country and our people as much as we can.

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