India is pressing Myanmar for safe return of Rohingyas: Envoy

India is pressing upon Myanmar for the safe, secure and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Rakhine, said Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly today.

"We are pressing upon the Myanmar government for Myanmar and Bangladesh to bilaterally solve the issue and for the safe, secure and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees," she said during a relief distribution ceremony at a refugee camp in Kutupalong, Cox's Bazar.

The Rohingya refugees were provided with 1,000 sewing machines, 100 family tents, 32 office tents and 32 search and rescue kits. This is the fifth installment of relief materials for since the Rohingyas fled a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state since August 2017.

India also helped Myanmar in building pre-fabricated homes so Rohingyas can have a sustainable life once they return home. However, India has been criticised on global forums for not doing enough to create pressure on Myanmar for the return of Rohingyas.

Two repatriation efforts failed as Rohingyas say the situation in Rakhine is not safe and conducive for their return and that they do not have a guarantee of citizenship.

At the event, State Minister for Disaster Management Dr Enamur Rahman lauded India for humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas but stressed that stronger Indian support is a must for speedy repatriation.

India stood by Bangladesh during the Liberation War and sheltered about one crore refugees in 1971, he said, expecting that India would similarly help Bangladesh in repatriation.

In response, Riva Ganguly said India has always been beside Bangladesh and will continue to do so, not only on the Rohingya issue but on the development of the country as it tries to become a developed nation.

She said India, Myanmar and Bangladesh have been working on a "lot of mechanisms" for a sustainable solution to the crisis.

"You know India is the only country which shares borders with both Myanmar and Bangladesh...we do support safe, secure and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas."

Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Shah Kamal and Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mahbub Alam Talukder also spoke on the occasion.