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 by the government 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 both 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 expanded their control southward, taking over lands of the Khmer and Cham people. When French colonial rulers took control, they changed policies that affected these communities, creating feelings of unfair treatment.

Later, the government of South Vietnam made rules that upset many groups, such as the Khmer Krom and the Montagnards who lived in the Central Highlands. These groups felt they were treated poorly and lost their land and culture. This led to the formation of several groups seeking more freedom and rights for these communities.

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

In 1963, after changes in the South Vietnamese government, some BAJARAKA leaders were released and given positions in the government. But tensions continued, and in 1964, these leaders joined with others to form the Central Highlands Liberation Front (FLHP). This group split into two parts—one wanting peaceful change and the other believing in more forceful actions.

Early history and operations during the Vietnam War

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

Several groups joined forces 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 continued its activities, fighting against Vietnamese forces and seeking support from other countries.

FULRO faced challenges as it tried to negotiate with the South Vietnamese government. Some members agreed to peace talks, while others continued fighting. After changes in leadership in Cambodia, FULRO found itself opposed by new rulers. Tragic events followed, and many FULRO members faced difficult 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. Thousands of 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 and conflicts with other groups 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 spoken out about how the Montagnard people were treated unfairly by the Vietnamese government. They say that 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, forcing changes to their way of life and taking control of their lands. These actions have caused deep sadness and resistance among the Montagnard community as they try to protect their heritage and rights.