AMN /NEW DELHI
Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said that Rohingyas who came from Myanmar to India are illegal immigrants and not the refugees. Speaking at a Seminar on Good governance, development and human rights organised by NHRC in New Delhi, Mr Singh said the Rohingyas have not followed the procedure of granting status of refugees.
The Home Minister said, if India deports them to Myanmar, it does not violate any international law as it is not a signatory UN Refugee Convention.
Mr Singh also said, the Rohinhgyas have not taken asylum and therefore, terming them refugee on ground of human rights is not justifiable.
He said India has also provided humanitarian aid to Bangladesh to deal with influx of Rohingyas from Myanmar.
Referring to recent statement made by Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi that her country is ready to accept Rohingyas, Mr Singh said, if India deports them to Myanmar there should be no objection at all from any quarter.
Mr Singh said, the statement of Suu Kyi brings a new hope in this regard. He also expressed hope that the government of Myanmar will soon take a concrete step in this direction.
Earlier, Mr Singh said government is committed for good governance. He said, the government has implemented efficient tax system by rolling out the GST which will benefit the country’s economy. He said the goal of the government is to ensure development with dignity.
Speaking at the Seminar, the NHRC Chairperson, Justice H L Dattu said, good governance requires a fair legal framework with high degree of transparency and procedures. He said, the notions of Human Rights has long emphasised the principle of equality, fairness and justice.
The two day seminar will deliberate on various issues including service delivery mechanism and measures to enhance transparency and accountability.