India certainly views with empathy and concern the evolving Rohingya crisis (Editorial page – “The disaster next door” and ‘World’ page – “Hungry and traumatised, Rohingya are living in fear”, both September 11). To the extent it can, I am sure that India by way of material and moral help will certainly assist them. But there is also reality. We need to look after our own minorities who need our attention and support far more than the additional burden of fresh refugees. India is also an overpopulated country. This is a crisis which has been simmering over a long period and needs to be redressed through diplomatic efforts with Myanmar and Bangladesh. What is also alarming is the alleged possession of documents such as Aadhaar, ration cards and voter IDs by some of the ‘refugees’. This highlights the porous nature of securing these identification documents.
H.N. Ramakrishna,
Bengaluru
India has a right to protect its interests. But before it shows the door to these helpless people, it should first condemn Myanmar and take on Aung San Suu Kyi by asking her to contain her military. Be it the Eelam Tamils, the Yazidi people, Iraqis, and now the Rohingya, the growing list of refugees shows that the world just watches without doing anything worthwhile to rescue and rehabilitate these people and punish the guilty. Why does the West apply different yardsticks?
Also it unfortunate that while the Rohingya are being persecuted, Ms. Suu Kyi appears unmoved. When she was incarcerated, the entire world stood with her. How can she then allow such a development to happen in the first place? Is she worthy of the Peace Nobel?
T. Anand Raj,
Chennai
Recent upheavals across the world show that refugees will go to any extent to cross international boundaries. It is unfortunate that hardly anyone attends to them barring the UNHCR and the ICRC. No problem involving refugees can be solved without international support. Nearly 150 nations are signatories to the Refugee Convention. Though India is not a signatory, it has risen to the occasion in crises. But what steps has the international community taken to solve this problem?
Abhishek K.,
Thiruvananthapuram
New Delhi’s stance on the Rohingya undermines its ties with Bangladesh as well as India’s regional leadership. There seems to be a failure in the balancing act between Myanmar and Bangladesh. While in Myanmar, the Prime Minister sided with Myanmar and appeared to be blinkered to the problem being faced by Bangladesh. While Myanmar may be right in taking action against militants, it cannot take revenge against the entire Rohingya population and refuse to recognise them as its citizens. India must shed its inhibitions and find an amicable solution.
S.D. Mukherji,
Hyderabad
The issue is a humanitarian problem which India should look into and do something more positive to mitigate the hardship of the unfortunate refugees. It should use its good offices and cordial relations with Myanmar to do what is necessary to establish peace. If need be, it could offer aid to resettle the refugees. Although India has not expressed anguish over the ongoing conflict in Rakhine province, it should persuade Myanmar to settle the long-standing problem in the province and ensure the safety of the Rohingyas.
D.B.N. Murthy,
Bengaluru
The crisis has resulted in lakhs of refugees fleeing in search of food and shelter. As the country closest to the epicentre of the crisis, Bangladesh is feeling the heat. One has to appreciate Bangladesh for being sensitive to humanitarian needs. India and Bangladesh should now urge Myanmar to take back the refugees and treat them with dignity. Steps have to be taken to de-escalate the crisis and sensitise Myanmar on the need to think of a long-term solution. India should uphold humanitarian values and not look for petty political gains.
Balaji Akiri,
Hyderabad
