Army, BSF deployed to stop Rohingyas from entering India

Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said the army and Border Security Force (BSF) have been deployed to stop Rohingyas from entering the country.

"The Border Security Force (BSF) and the Assam Rifles are deployed to stop further infiltration of Rohingyas," Rajnath Singh told the Lok Sabha during the Question Hour.

He also said he has issued an advisory to the states to monitor those Rohingyas who have already infiltrated into the country, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

"The states have been asked to keep them in one place and not let them spread. States also have the right to deport them," Singh said.

Trinamool Congress lawmaker Prof Sugata Bose raised the issue saying the Ministry of External Affairs is carrying out "Operation Insaniyat" to help Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh while on the other hand it started the process of deportation of the Rohingyas from India.

But "will we show 'insaniyat' for only those who are in Bangladesh?" Bose asked.

The Trinamool member also questioned whether the country was prepared to abide by all international laws, adding that it was the Indian tradition to give refuge to people.

Responding to Bose's remarks, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said "This is an unfortunate statement by him. India is probably the only country which has adopted such a soft approach to refugees."

He said that despite not being in the UN treaty to receive refugees, India has given shelter to millions.

"Still, thousands of refugees are staying in India. India has been very soft towards immigrants but that doesn't mean that there will be no system to regularise it. Our priority is taking care of our citizens first," Rijiju said.

"Rohingya population is the highest in Jammu and Kashmir but they cannot be allowed to become a burden," the minister added.