India deports refugees who fled Myanmar coup in 2021
- In Reports
- 07:53 PM, May 02, 2024
- Myind Staff
India deported the initial batch of Myanmar refugees who had sought refuge following the military coup in 2021, as confirmed by a senior state minister. The deportation followed weeks of endeavours, which were impeded by clashes between Myanmar's rebel groups and the ruling junta.
Since the coup, thousands of civilians and hundreds of soldiers from Myanmar have crossed into India. This influx has raised concerns in New Delhi, prompting plans to fortify the border with Myanmar and terminate the visa-free movement policy.
The border state of Manipur deported at least 38 refugees, with plans to repatriate a total of 77 individuals, amidst managing sporadic violence that has claimed the lives of at least 220 people since ethnic clashes erupted in May last year.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced via a social media post that the first phase of deporting illegal immigrants from Myanmar has been completed "without any discrimination." He further stated that the state government is actively engaged in identifying illegal immigrants for further action.
Singh also mentioned that Myanmar repatriated one Indian national. New Delhi, however, has not ratified the 1951 U.N. Refugee Convention, which delineates refugee rights and the responsibilities of states in protecting them.
Additionally, India lacks domestic legislation safeguarding refugees. Singh, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, previously stated in March that deportations had commenced, but Indian security officials noted that these efforts were impeded by ongoing conflicts in Myanmar.
Singh emphasised that the state government persists in identifying "illegal immigrants" while concurrently recording biometric data. He added, "Let’s keep our borders and country secure."
The deportation proceeded despite pleas from 'pro-democracy' organisations in Myanmar urging Singh to refrain from handing over the Myanmar nationals to the military regime, which seized power in 2021. They implored Singh to postpone the deportation drive on "humanitarian grounds" until democracy is reinstated in Myanmar.
Image source: Reuters
Comments