20 Sep 2017 | 07:30 AM UTC
India: Government claims Rohingya refugees tied to terrorist groups
Indian government gives evidence to Supreme Court that Rohingya refugees have ties to terrorist groups; Supreme Court continues to hear case against deportation of Rohingya
Event
On Monday, September 18, the central government of India reportedly provided evidence of ties between Rohingya Muslim refugees and terrorist organization to the country's Supreme Court. The government claims that Rohingyas with militant ties have been found in Jammu, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mewat. Additionally, police reported on Monday that they arrested a suspected member of Al-Qa’ida in New Delhi, who was trying to recruit Rohingya in India. The Indian central government is calling for the deportation of Rohingya Muslims that have entered the country illegally, and has increased security patrols along the border with Myanmar in Mizoram state. Under the government’s plan, an estimated 40,000 people would be deported. The Supreme Court has been hearing a petition on behalf of Rohingya refugees against the deportation plan, and is expected to hear the matter again on October 3.
Context
India has been a destination for Rohingya fleeing Myanmar in recent years. Many have crossed the borders from Bangladesh or Myanmar into West Bengal, Tripura, and Mirzoram states.
Approximately 400,00 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar to Bangladesh since August 25 following a crackdown by Myanmar's army on the Rohingya community. The persecution of the Rohingya people in Myanmar has drawn international criticism for alleged human rights violations. The current clashes and ensuing government crackdown are the result of months of simmering violence and ethnic tensions between the Buddhist majority and Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar.
Advice
Individuals present in India are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. Due to a high risk of terrorist attack, always be on guard when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).
