More than 400 people from Myanmar, many of them policemen and emergency service officials, have crossed into neighbouring India since late February, an Indian police officer said on Monday, as Myanmar security forces seek to crush pro-democracy demonstrators after last month's coup.

The policemen said they had fled because they feared persecution after refusing to obey the military junta's orders to shoot protesters.

Khaw, a fireman, said he and 20 others joined the protesters after refusing police orders.