The Rohingya, a stateless community abandoned by their own government and facing persecution and ethnic cleansing in their homeland, are in dire need of shelter. India has historically been a land of immigrants and provided asylum to all communities facing a threat to their survival. The Rohingya have not immigrated due to economic reasons but rather due to persecution. It would be unpalatable and both morally and ethically wrong to deport them to a place where their chances to survive would be uncertain. The right to life is enjoyed by every person irrespective of his or her nationality.
Gagan Pratap Singh,
Noida , Uttar Pradesh
As a UNHCR intern in India and having worked on a project with Rohingya refugees, I can vouch for the fact that the stories of what they have undergone are spine-chilling. Many have lost their near and dear ones and continue to live in exile. Many of the children are school dropouts even though they are given opportunities in government schools. India should show some compassion for the Rohingya and provide them with basic needs. Humanity has no religion.
Preethi Amaresh,
Chennai
Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju almost scoffs at the hapless Rohingya and says that they are illegal immigrants who should be deported. Using this yardstick, Tibetans too would fall in this category. I would like to ask the Minister whether he would call for their deportation too.
K.C. Menon,
Kochi
