Indian citizens come first for us, will deport illegal Rohingyas: MHA

The debate on refugees rocked the Parliament on Tuesday. Even as the Opposition raised Rohingya issue, the Central government highlighted the menace of Rohingya influx in the country.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh while addressing the issue said, “We have sensitised border areas to stop and control intrusion of Rohingyas. We have taken steps to curb intrusion of Rohingya from Bangladesh. We have issued an advisory to keep a watch on the movement of Rohingyas.”

Singh has also said the state governments have rights regarding the deportation of Rohingyas.

“Have issued advisory to states to monitor those who have already come and keep them at one place and not let them spread. States also have right to deport them,” said the Union Home Minister.

Minister of Home for State Kiren Rijiju also said that India is not here to “give rights to illegal immigrants.”

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He also made it clear that for the MHA, Indians come first.

“India has been very soft towards immigrants but that doesn’t mean that there will be no system to regularise it. We also told Myanmar that we are ready to assist them in providing facilities to Rohingyas when they return. Our priority is taking care of our citizen first,” said Kiren Rijiju.

Highlighting the influx of illegal migrants in the country, Rijiju said, “We are aware of the fact that Rohingyas have entered into other states also, especially in Jammu-Kashmir.

“It is clear that Illegal Rohingya immigrants could be threat for national security,” he added.

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Contradicting Rijiju’s statement, TMC leader Saugata Roy said, “We have long tradition to provide shelter to refugees. Is our country ready to abide by international laws?”

However, slamming Roy, the Minister of state for Home said, “I am surprised by statement of Saugata Roy. Millions of refugee are staying in the country and that doesn't means anybody can enter into states and claim they are citizens.”

Rijiju also pointed at the fact even though India is not a signatory to the UN convention on refugees, millions of refugees stay here.

“We are not a signatory to the UN convention on refugees, yet millions of refugees stay here. We've offered help to Myanmar. How can you sully India's image like this?” said Rijiju.

The fresh debate on citizenship to refugees has been ensued after the Assam government released the second and final draft on NRC on Monday. 2,89, 83,677 persons were found eligible out of 3,29,91,384 applicants in the second draft of the NRC while names of 4,007,707 people were not included in the final Draft NRC.