2-5-2024 (NEW DELHI) In a move that has sparked international concern, the Indian government on Thursday carried out the first deportation of Myanmar refugees who had sought sanctuary within its borders following the 2021 military coup. The development was confirmed by a state minister, underscoring the escalating tensions surrounding the influx of displaced individuals from the neighbouring nation.
The deportations, which had been delayed for weeks due to intense fighting between rebel forces and the ruling junta in Myanmar, mark a significant shift in India’s approach to the ongoing crisis. Thousands of civilians and hundreds of troops have fled across the border into India since the coup, prompting New Delhi to announce plans for the construction of a border fence and the termination of a visa-free movement policy with Myanmar.
According to reports, at least 38 refugees were deported on Thursday by the northeastern state of Manipur, which has been grappling with sporadic violence that has claimed the lives of over 220 individuals since ethnic clashes erupted in May of the previous year. Manipur authorities have disclosed their intention to repatriate a total of 77 individuals as part of their efforts to address the influx of refugees.
“Without any discrimination, we have completed the first phase of deportation of illegal immigrants from Myanmar,” stated N Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, in a social media post. “The state government is continuing the identification of illegal immigrants.”
Singh, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), further revealed that one Indian national was also repatriated by Myanmar as part of the process.
Unlike Thailand, India has not ratified the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, which outlines the rights of refugees and the responsibilities of states to protect them. Furthermore, the country lacks its own comprehensive laws safeguarding the rights of those seeking asylum.
In March, Singh had indicated that deportations had commenced, although Indian security officials acknowledged that the efforts were hindered by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
