Did India Treat Us Like Captives Before Casting Us Into the Sea?

The forced deportation of Rohingya refugees from India to Myanmar has raised significant human rights concerns, as many are fleeing from violence and persecution. On 9 May, Noorul Amin learned that his brother and four relatives were among 40 Rohingya deported back to a war-torn Myanmar, where they face severe risks. This situation highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the Rohingya community and the complex legal and humanitarian challenges surrounding their status in India.

Last updated: 22 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• 40 Rohingya refugees were allegedly deported from India to Myanmar amid ongoing violence.
• Testimonies reveal horrific treatment during their deportation process.
• The UN and human rights advocates condemn India's actions regarding Rohingya refugees.
• Legal proceedings in India's Supreme Court may redefine the status of the Rohingya in the country.
• Increased fear and anxiety persist within the Rohingya community in India regarding potential deportations.

The Context of Rohingya Refugees in India

The Rohingya are a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority who have faced severe persecution in Myanmar, particularly since a military crackdown in 2017, which forced over a million to flee to neighbouring countries, primarily Bangladesh. In India, the Rohingya are classified as illegal immigrants, as the Indian government does not recognise them as refugees, despite their immense suffering.

As of now, approximately 23,800 Rohingya are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in India, although estimates suggest the real number may exceed 40,000. Their precarious status has made them vulnerable to deportation, with many living in fear of being sent back to the violence they fled.

What Happened on 9 May?

On 9 May, Noorul Amin received distressing news from his brother Kairul, who was among the group of 40 Rohingya refugees deported by the Indian government. The refugees were reportedly taken under the pretext of biometric data collection, a process that is mandated annually by Indian authorities. Instead of returning home after this procedure, they were detained and ultimately deported to Myanmar.

This incident occurred against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny of India's treatment of Rohingya refugees, as well as broader concerns over human rights violations in Myanmar, where a civil war has been raging since a military coup in February 2021.

Details of the Deportation

According to testimonies gathered by the BBC, the deportees were transported from Delhi to Hindon Airport, where they boarded military aircraft bound for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Upon arrival, they were loaded onto a naval vessel under heavy guard. The refugees described being bound and blindfolded during the journey, treated as prisoners rather than individuals seeking safety.

Once on the naval ship, the group was reportedly subjected to harsh treatment, including physical violence and humiliation. The conditions were dire; some refugees recounted being slapped, punched, and verbally abused. The harrowing accounts paint a picture of a systematic disregard for human dignity.

Unsafe Return to Myanmar

Upon reaching Myanmar, the refugees found themselves in a precarious situation, living under the watch of the Ba Htoo Army (BHA), a resistance group fighting against the military junta. Many expressed feeling unsafe and insecure, describing their new environment as a "complete war zone." These sentiments highlight the dire risks associated with their forced return.

John, one of the refugees, conveyed the despair felt by many: "How can someone just throw human beings into the sea?" His words encapsulate the horror of the deportation and the subsequent return to a country fraught with danger.

International Response and Legal Action

Human rights advocates, including Thomas Andrews, the UN's special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, have condemned India's actions. Andrews noted significant evidence supporting the allegations of mistreatment and unlawful deportation. In response to the unfolding crisis, Noorul Amin and his family members filed a petition with India's Supreme Court, urging for the immediate return of the deported refugees and seeking compensation for their ordeal.

As the legal proceedings progress, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments regarding the classification of the Rohingya refugees. The outcome could significantly impact the legal status of many Rohingya living in India and their future safety.

The Current Situation of Rohingya in India

The deportation of the 40 Rohingya has instilled fear among the larger Rohingya community in India. Reports indicate an uptick in deportations and a growing anxiety as families hide to avoid detection. Many Rohingya have taken drastic measures to protect themselves, with some opting to go into hiding or moving to undisclosed locations.

Legal uncertainty persists as the Indian government’s stance on Rohingya refugees remains rigid. Despite their dire circumstances, the Rohingya's status as illegal immigrants complicates their access to rights and protections under Indian law.

Conclusion: A Call for Humanity

The plight of the Rohingya refugees is a tragic reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis stemming from ethnic persecution and conflict. As international attention focuses on their deportation and treatment in India, it is crucial for human rights organisations, governments, and the global community to advocate for the safety and dignity of these individuals. The situation demands urgent action to ensure that such violations do not continue unchecked.

How can we work towards a more humane approach to refugees and migrants, ensuring that their rights are upheld? The world must grapple with these questions as the crisis unfolds. #RohingyaRefugees #HumanRights #DeportationCrisis

FAQs

What are the Rohingya refugees fleeing from?

The Rohingya are fleeing severe persecution and violence in Myanmar, particularly following a military crackdown in 2017 that resulted in mass displacement.

Why did India deport the Rohingya refugees?

India does not recognise the Rohingya as refugees but classifies them as illegal immigrants, leading to their deportation despite the risks they face in Myanmar.

What is the current situation for Rohingya refugees in Myanmar?

Many Rohingya refugees in Myanmar face significant dangers due to ongoing civil unrest and the presence of military forces, making their safety precarious.

What legal actions have been taken regarding the deportations?

Noorul Amin and other family members filed a petition in India's Supreme Court to stop deportations and seek the return of the refugees, with hearings scheduled to address their status.

What can be done to help Rohingya refugees?

Advocacy for their rights, increased awareness, and international pressure on governments to protect refugees are essential steps to help the Rohingya community.