Hundreds of Roma women and children were moved from a village in Hungary Friday because a far-right vigilante group was setting up a training camp near their homes.

The 277 evacuees were taken by bus to other parts of Hungary because the local Roma are concerned about potential confrontations with members of Vedero, or Defense Force, the far-right group.

"We are afraid and we have reason to be," said Janos Farkas, chairman of the local Roma council. "For the past nearly two months, Gyongyospata has been practically a battlefield."

Several far-right vigilante groups, usually dressed in camouflage gear and heavy boots, have been patrolling the village, and others in eastern Hungary that have large Roma populations, with the stated purpose of defending the non-Roma residents from "Gypsy crime."

Farkas said that members of Vedero who went to the village last week to scout a location for their training camp had shouted violent threats at the Roma.

"They want to intimidate the Roma here," Farkas said. "Their presence is extremely upsetting and will achieve nothing."

Farkas said the five buses had taken the evacuees to "somewhere around Lake Balaton" but would not reveal the exact location because of fears the extremists would go after them.

At least 10 police vans could be seen entering the village after the buses had gone.

Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe and Hungary's most popular summer resort, is around 180 kilometers (110 miles) from Gyongyospata.

According to Vedero's website, the three-day training camp starting Friday is open to "all youths and adults who love their country and who are interested in learning military and self-defense basics."

Trainees are also encouraged to bring Airsoft weapons _ realistic-looking pellet rifles and guns _ and boxing gloves.

"Military disciplinary rules will be in effect on the campsite during the three days," the advertisement says.

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Gorondi reported from Budapest, Hungary.