The Manipur government is set to deport 77 Myanmar nationals, including women and children, who fled to the state following the military coup in their country. According to a senior official, the first batch of seven Myanmarese was deported on March 8, and the process is expected to continue on Monday. This deportation comes after Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stated that India, although not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, has been providing aid and shelter to those affected by the crisis in Myanmar. Over 5,000 Myanmar nationals have sought refuge in Manipur, and a large number of them are living in relief camps and government buildings in Mizoram.
Deportation of Myanmar Nationals from Manipur: Background and FAQs
Background:
The ongoing crisis in Myanmar, triggered by a military coup in February 2021, has led to thousands of people fleeing to neighboring countries. Manipur, a state in northeastern India, has become a refuge for over 5,000 Myanmar nationals, including women, children, and the elderly.
In March 2023, the Manipur government announced its decision to deport 77 Myanmar nationals, marking the first such move since the military coup. The deportations were initiated based on the argument that India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and therefore not legally obligated to provide asylum to refugees.
Top 5 FAQs Related to the Deportation:
1. Why is the Manipur government deporting Myanmar nationals?
The government states that it is following the directive of the Central government, which has instructed all states to deport illegal immigrants, including those from Myanmar.
2. What is the legal basis for the deportations?
The government argues that India's Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed in 2019, does not recognize Myanmar nationals as refugees. The CAA only grants citizenship rights to certain religious minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
3. Where are the Myanmar nationals being deported to?
The deportees will be sent back to Myanmar, even though the country is experiencing ongoing conflict and human rights abuses.
4. What are the concerns raised by human rights groups?
Human rights organizations have expressed alarm over the deportations, stating that they violate international law and put the lives of the Myanmar nationals at risk. They argue that Myanmar is not a safe country for them to return to.
5. What is the impact on the refugees?
The deportations are causing fear and anxiety among the Myanmar refugees in Manipur. Many are concerned for their safety and the future of their families. They are also worried about their access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
Conclusion:
The deportation of Myanmar nationals from Manipur is a complex and contentious issue with far-reaching humanitarian implications. It highlights the challenges faced by displaced people fleeing conflict and persecution, and the difficulties for host countries in balancing their obligations and their own national interests.
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