Myanmar must take back Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh: India
Senior Correspondent, bdnews24.com
Published: 2017-10-02 19:19:45.0 BdST Updated: 2017-10-02 19:19:45.0 BdST
“Our effort must be to enable the two countries to work together vigorously to facilitate the immediate and safe return of the displaced persons and restoration of normalcy and communal harmony in Rakhine State,” India said at the 36th session of the council in Geneva.
India also said they are “convinced that the only lasting solution to the situation in the Rakhine State is the socio-economic and infrastructure development in the State and a resolution of underlying issues of citizenship and residence in line with the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission.”
Those comments came amid perception that India is not with Bangladesh on the Rohingya crisis as Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not make any comment during his state visit to Myanmar.
Over half a million Rohingyas fled ethnic cleansing since Aug 25 when the military crackdown began in Rakhine. Aid agencies are still denied access to the zone where it is believed that thousands have been killed, drawing global condemnation.
Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi also sent her minister in Dhaka who in a meeting with Bangladesh foreign minister agreed to take back their nationals following verification. Both sides also agreed to form a joint working group, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali said after the meeting.
During the human rights council meeting on Sept 29, India said it is “important for the Myanmar security forces to handle the situation with restraint, focusing on the welfare of the civilian population, and take steps to prevent further exodus of civilians from Rakhine State and encourage the safe and sustainable return of those who have fled.”
India also lauded Bangladesh’s role in extending humanitarian assistance to such a large influx of people from Rakhine and said this deserves “both recognition and support by the international community”.
“As a neighbour, friend and partner of Bangladesh, India has responded promptly to support the government of Bangladesh in meeting the relief requirements posed by this large influx.
The relief provided both by air and sea supplied the basic necessities by way of 15kg packs for each family of recently arrived displaced persons in Bangladesh. India has so far supported 72,000 families to meet their essential needs in the relief camps.
Senior Correspondent, bdnews24.com
Published: 2017-10-02 19:19:45.0 BdST Updated: 2017-10-02 19:19:45.0 BdST
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Rohingyas fleeing violence in Myanmar are building temporary residences on the Balukhali Hill in Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhia. Photo: mostafigur rahman
“Our effort must be to enable the two countries to work together vigorously to facilitate the immediate and safe return of the displaced persons and restoration of normalcy and communal harmony in Rakhine State,” India said at the 36th session of the council in Geneva.
India also said they are “convinced that the only lasting solution to the situation in the Rakhine State is the socio-economic and infrastructure development in the State and a resolution of underlying issues of citizenship and residence in line with the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission.”
Those comments came amid perception that India is not with Bangladesh on the Rohingya crisis as Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not make any comment during his state visit to Myanmar.
Over half a million Rohingyas fled ethnic cleansing since Aug 25 when the military crackdown began in Rakhine. Aid agencies are still denied access to the zone where it is believed that thousands have been killed, drawing global condemnation.
Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi also sent her minister in Dhaka who in a meeting with Bangladesh foreign minister agreed to take back their nationals following verification. Both sides also agreed to form a joint working group, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali said after the meeting.
During the human rights council meeting on Sept 29, India said it is “important for the Myanmar security forces to handle the situation with restraint, focusing on the welfare of the civilian population, and take steps to prevent further exodus of civilians from Rakhine State and encourage the safe and sustainable return of those who have fled.”
India also lauded Bangladesh’s role in extending humanitarian assistance to such a large influx of people from Rakhine and said this deserves “both recognition and support by the international community”.
“As a neighbour, friend and partner of Bangladesh, India has responded promptly to support the government of Bangladesh in meeting the relief requirements posed by this large influx.
The relief provided both by air and sea supplied the basic necessities by way of 15kg packs for each family of recently arrived displaced persons in Bangladesh. India has so far supported 72,000 families to meet their essential needs in the relief camps.