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Rohingyas a threat to national security, should be deported: Govt to SC

Published

9 years ago

September 14, 2017

Rohingyas a threat to national security, should be deported: Govt to SC

Affidavit reportedly claims that intelligence inputs suggest Rohingya militant groups active in Jammu, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mewat; could be used by IS

Amid a global outrage over the continued persecution of Rohingya Muslims by the Myanmar establishment, the Union government, on Thursday, told the Supreme Court that it cannot allow the illegal immigrants from Rakhine State to stay in India as refugees as they pose a threat to national security.

The Union home ministry which filed an affidavit on the Rohingya issue in the Supreme Court on Thursday, has reportedly said that refugees of Myanmar’s ethnic minority group who are settled in scattered camps across India could be used by domestic and foreign terror groups to foment trouble in the country.

The affidavit, it is learnt, claims that inputs received from various Indian intelligence agencies suggest that at least some Rohingya groups living in India have links with terror groups. The Centre claimed Rohingya militant groups are active in Jammu, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mewat (in Haryana), and could be used by the Islamic State.

However, no evidence of this claim has been provided in the home ministry’s affidavit, which adds “National interest warrants their (Rohingyas) deportation. No illegal immigrant has the right to stay in India.”

The affidavit has been submitted before the Bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, which is presiding over proceedings on a bunch of public interest litigations and intervener petitions that have either sought deportation of the Rohingya Muslims or for directions to the Union government to provide a safe haven to these refugees.

The affidavit comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has been at the receiving end of criticism from various human rights groups and also the United Nations for not recognizing the persecution of Rohingyas as a humanitarian issue and instead indicating its willingness to deport them to Myanmar where thousands from the ethnic minority have been killed by the Junta over the past few weeks. India and Myanmar do not recognize the term Rohingya and the issues of the world’s most persecuted ethnic minority are referred to by both nations as ‘developments in the Rakhine state’ or matters of illegal immigrants.

Earlier this week, the United Nations’ top human rights official Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein had criticised India for wanting to deport Rohingya refugees. “I deplore current measures in India to deport Rohingyas at a time of such violence against them in their country (Myanmar),” Zeid said. Zeid had also implored India to bear in mind its obligations under international law and said: “India cannot carry out collective expulsions, or return people to a place where they risk torture or other serious violations.”

But the Indian government, as suggested by the affidavit placed before the Supreme Court, maintains that it sees Rohingyas as a threat to the country’s national security.

Next week, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea filed by two Rohingya immigrants, Mohammad Salimullah and Mohammad Shaqir, challenging the Indian government’s decision to deport illegal Rohingya Muslim immigrants back to Myanmar. The plea, filed by advocate Prashant Bhushan on behalf of the two, claims that Salimullah and Shaqir had taken refuge in India after escaping from Myanmar due to widespread discrimination, violence and bloodshed against the community there.

Opposing the plea, former RSS ideologue KN Govindacharaya has also moved the apex court seeking to make him a party in the case filed by the two Rohingya Muslims. Govindacharya has opposed their plea saying they were “a burden” on the country’s resources and posed a serious threat to national security.

Meanwhile, India has extended humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh through its ‘Operation Insaniyat’ by sending food and other essential items to the neighbour to help it deal with the huge influx of Rohingyas who have fled from Myanmar in recent weeks.

Related Topics:Myanmar Narendra Modi Rohingyas Supreme Court

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Delhi Palam fire leaves 6 dead, massive rescue operation underway

Six people died after a fire broke out in a residential building in Delhi’s Palam. Firefighters continue rescue efforts with 30 tenders at the spot.

Published

3 hours ago

March 18, 2026

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A tragic fire incident in southwest Delhi’s Palam area on Wednesday morning claimed the lives of six people, triggering a large-scale emergency response.

According to officials, the blaze erupted in a residential building, prompting immediate action from fire and police authorities. Around 30 fire tenders were rushed to the spot to control the flames and carry out rescue operations.

Authorities said they received a distress call at approximately 7 am reporting the fire at a house within the building. Firefighters were deployed swiftly amid concerns that several residents could be trapped inside the structure.

A fire services official stated that initial information suggested people might still be inside, leading to an intensive search and rescue effort. Emergency teams, including police personnel, reached the congested locality to assist in evacuation and crowd management.

The firefighting operation was still ongoing at the time of reporting. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and further details are awaited as authorities continue their investigation.

India News

Centre mandates 60% free seat allocation on flights, caps selection fees

Airlines must now offer 60% seats without extra charges and ensure better seating arrangements for passengers under new government rules.

Published

5 hours ago

March 18, 2026

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In a significant move aimed at protecting air travellers, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airlines to ensure that at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight are offered without any additional selection fee. The decision follows widespread complaints from passengers about hidden charges, particularly for seat selection.

The directive has been issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which has introduced a series of passenger-friendly norms to enhance transparency and improve the overall flying experience.

Under the new guidelines, airlines have also been instructed to seat passengers travelling on the same PNR together, preferably in adjacent seats. This is expected to address long-standing concerns among families and group travellers, who often face inconvenience due to scattered seating arrangements.

The regulator has further emphasised the need to safeguard passenger rights in situations such as flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. Airlines have been asked to prominently display these rights across their websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and airport counters to ensure better awareness.

In addition, carriers must establish clear and transparent policies regarding the carriage of sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets. The move comes in response to frequent complaints over inconsistent rules and high charges. Airlines have been directed to align such policies with safety and operational standards while ensuring they are communicated in a simple and passenger-friendly manner.

To improve accessibility, the regulator has also asked airlines to share passenger rights information in regional languages.

India News

Mamata Banerjee warns BJP, EC over Bengal polls, says they will be accountable

Mamata Banerjee holds BJP and Election Commission responsible for any incidents during Bengal polls, raising concerns over officer transfers.

Published

19 hours ago

March 17, 2026

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has held the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission of India responsible for any untoward incidents in the state during the upcoming assembly elections, following the transfer of key officials.

Addressing concerns over administrative reshuffles, Banerjee said that changes involving senior bureaucrats, including the chief secretary and home secretary, could affect governance and law and order in the state during a crucial period.

The Trinamool Congress chief also announced candidates for 291 constituencies for the elections scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and 29.

Criticising the Election Commission, Banerjee alleged that the transfers were being carried out in a manner that benefits the BJP. She questioned the timing of the decisions and said such actions weaken the state administration at a sensitive time.

She further raised concerns about disaster management and essential services, stating that experienced officials familiar with the state’s situation have been replaced. According to her, this could impact administrative efficiency if any emergency arises before the new government is formed.

Protecting Bengal’s identity

Banerjee emphasised that the election is not merely about forming a government but about safeguarding Bengal’s identity and existence. She accused the BJP of misusing central agencies and attempting to influence the electoral process.

She urged that elections should be conducted peacefully, without external interference, and in line with democratic principles. The chief minister also expressed confidence that her party would return to power with a stronger mandate.

Appealing to voters, she called for support for the Trinamool Congress, asserting that the people of Bengal will ultimately decide the outcome and protect their democratic rights.