United Front for the Liberation of Oppressed Races

The United Front for the Liberation of Oppressed Races (FULRO) was a group that wanted to help different ethnic groups in southern Vietnam. These groups included the Montagnards in the Central Highlands, the Chams in central Vietnam, and the Khmer Krom in the south. They felt they were treated unfairly and wanted more control over their own lands and lives.

FULRO began in 1964 as a political movement but later became a group that fought against the government of South Vietnam and the communist government of North Vietnam. They were supported by Cambodia and sometimes by China. FULRO was made up of many different indigenous and ethnic groups who were upset about unfair treatment and loss of land.

Over time, FULRO faced strong opposition. After the Vietnam War, some members continued to fight against the new government of Vietnam. Many FULRO members eventually moved to refugee camps in Cambodia. The group was formally dissolved in 1992 when its remaining members gave up their weapons to United Nations peacekeepers.

Historical origins of FULRO

For many years, Vietnamese leaders took over lands where the Khmer and Cham people lived. When French colonial rulers came, they changed rules in ways that upset these communities.

Later, the government of South Vietnam made rules that upset groups like the Khmer Krom and the Montagnards in the Central Highlands. These groups felt treated unfairly and lost their land and culture. This led to groups forming to ask for more freedom and rights.

One group was called BAJARAKA, formed in 1958 by leaders from different ethnic groups in the Central Highlands. They asked other countries for help to stop unfair treatment. But their protests were stopped, and leaders were arrested.

In 1963, some BAJARAKA leaders were released and given government jobs after changes in the South Vietnamese government. But problems continued, and in 1964, these leaders joined others to form the Central Highlands Liberation Front (FLHP). This group split into two parts—one wanted peaceful change and the other wanted to use force.

Early history and operations during the Vietnam War

Prince Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia tried to bring together groups wanting independence from Vietnam. He met with a leader named Y Bham Enuol in Phnom Penh in March 1963.

Several groups joined to form the United Front for the Liberation of Oppressed Races (FULRO). These groups included people from the Cham, Khmer Krom, and Montagnard communities. FULRO wanted independence for these groups and opposed Vietnamese rule.

In 1964, FULRO took control of a radio station and made broadcasts calling for independence. Later that year, FULRO fighters moved into Cambodia after clashes with Vietnamese forces. FULRO kept fighting against Vietnamese forces and sought support from other countries.

FULRO had trouble when trying to talk with the South Vietnamese government. Some members agreed to peace talks, while others kept fighting. After changes in leadership in Cambodia, FULRO faced new rulers. Many FULRO members had hard times ahead.

After the fall of South Vietnam

After Saigon fell and the South Vietnamese government ended in 1975, FULRO kept fighting against the new Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Many FULRO soldiers, led by Brigadier General Y Ghok Nie Krieng, continued their efforts, hoping for support from the United States, but that help never arrived.

FULRO kept up its activities in the remote highland areas through the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, internal disagreements made it harder for them to continue. China provided some aid through Thailand, helping FULRO and other ethnic groups near the border. During the 1980s, FULRO attacked government forces and police stations in several areas. Though once strong, by 1986, they had very little support left.

By the early 1990s, most of FULRO’s fighters laid down their weapons. Many were allowed to move to the United States for safety. This happened after learning that their leader had been captured long before.

Post-insurgency

Some people have talked about how the Montagnard people were treated unfairly by the Vietnamese government. They say the government took land from the Montagnards, did not respect their beliefs, and made it hard for them to keep their culture and language.

Others have shared stories about how the government treated the Montagnards harshly. This made changes to their way of life and took control of their lands. These actions have caused sadness and resistance among the Montagnard community as they try to protect their heritage and rights.