India hits back at UN for criticism over Rohingyas

India on Tuesday lashed out at the UN human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad alHussein for his comments against India on various issues including deportation of Rohingya Muslims.

Saying that it was “perplexed” at the remarks which showed “inadequate appreciation of the freedoms and rights that are guaranteed and practised daily” in India, a “vibrant democracy”, the statement, by ambassador Rajiv K. Chander, permanent representative of India to UN, added that individual incidents were being “extrapolated” to paint a broader societal situation.

India said that it is “concerned about illegal migrants, in particular with the possibility that they could pose security challenges”, and added that “enforcing laws should not be mistaken for lack of compassion”.

“Tendentious judgements made on the basis of selective and even inaccurate reports do not further the understanding of human rights in any society,” Mr Chander said.

Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday indicated that some action will be taken with regard to deportation of Rohingyas, who are considered to be a security threat to Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to reporters here, Singh said the Centre has a tough stand towards illegal migrants but a “sympathetic view” towards those displaced within the country and the minorities of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who have become refugees in this country.

To a question on deportation of foreigners from Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “we are discussing the issue of illegal migrants and some action will be taken.”

The home minister was asked about government’s stand on deportation of Rohingyas from Jammu as they are considered to be a security threat to Jammu and Kashmir.

“We cannot rule out the possibility of security threat and I have already cleared our stand with regard to illegal immigrants,” the home minister replied.