Rohingya refugees in India's capital to be given 'shelter, security'

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) – India has decided to settle Rohingya refugees living in the national capital New Delhi and provide them shelter, amenities, and police protection, a senior minister said on Wednesday.

India's Federal Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri announced on Twitter that all Rohingya refugees will be shifted to Economically Weaker Section (EWS) flats located in Bakkarwala area of Delhi.

"India has always welcomed those who have sought refuge in the country," he said, calling the decision a “landmark” move.

He said that the Rohingya will be provided basic amenities, UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) identity cards, and round-the-clock police protection.

The announcement by the senior minister indicates an apparent change in stance by the Indian government towards the Rohingya refugees.

In the past, there have been several announcements by ruling party leaders that Rohingya would be deported.

- Rohingya welcome decision with some fears

The Rohingya representatives in Delhi called it a positive development, though expressing some fears as well.

Ali Johar, a Rohingya representative and head of Education at Rohingya Human Rights Initiative – a non-governmental organization working for the rights of persecuted Rohingya community – told Anadolu Agency the government’s decision to provide shelter is a "positive development."

"Since it is the right of the Rohingya refugees to get access to education and free movement so that they earn for survival, we are hopeful that this move is being done on positive lines. However, if there would be curbs on the movement of refugees in the area where they are being shifted, it would be a kind of detention, it would be the biggest nightmare," he said.

He also said that there are approximately 1,100 Rohingya living in New Delhi and they are residing in camps, colonies, and even rental accommodation.

Sabber Kyaw Min, another Rohingya representative in New Delhi, told Anadolu Agency that they have not held any discussion with the government regarding the issue.

“We don't know much about the decision. We are praying it doesn't turn out to be a detention center," he said.

“Condition of Rohingya is extremely poor. They are living in miserable conditions. The government needs to work towards improving the lives of Rohingya," he said.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya were killed and thousands of women and girls were raped when Myanmar forces launched a crackdown on the minority Muslim community in Rakhine State in August 2017. More than 1.2 million Rohingya, described by the UN as the world's most persecuted people, were forced to flee Myanmar.

There are about 40,000 Rohingya in India with 20,000 registered with the UN refugee agency. In the past, a number of Rohingya have been detained by the Indian authorities in several parts of the country.

Rohingya activists in India have been demanding New Delhi uphold commitments to human rights and democratic credentials.