Rohingyas are illegal migrants says Centre asks states for count

New Delhi, Aug 1: The Centre has sent out an advisory to all states to get a count of the Rohingyas. The Centre has asked states to collect biometric data of the Rohingya migrants amidst reports of illegal activities. The government further made it clear that the Rohingyas are illegal migrants and not refugees.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the advisory for enumeration had been sent. He further said that the Border Security Force and Assam Rifles have been sensitised and told not to allow any more illegal immigrants into the country.

He further said that the Home Ministry was waiting for the enumeration process to be complete, after which it would be sent to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) who will in turn take it up with the government of Myanmar.

Junior Home Minister, Kiren Rijiju said that there were around 40,000 Rohingyas in India and most of them were found in Jammu and Kashmir, Hyderabad, Tripura and Mewat. He further said that there have been reports of illegal activities by the Rohingyas.

Rijiju said India had been "most soft" in its approach to the issue. "We are not signatories to the UN Convention on Refugees but have our own laws and have been most soft on refugees. That does not mean that there should be no regulation of the system. We should take care of our citizens first before taking care of others.