India engaged with Myanmar to solve Rohingya crisis: Diplomats

India is engaged with Myanmar to bring a solution to the Rohingya crisis for the sake of peace and security in the region, diplomats say.

“We are engaged, and we are working with the government of Myanmar,” a diplomat based in New Delhi told bdnews24.com after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during her Dhaka visit reiterated India’s position that Rohingyas must return to their homes in Rakhine.

Over half a million Rohingyas fled ethnic cleansing since Aug 25 when the military crackdown began in Rakhine.

Aid agencies have so far been denied access to the zone where thousands are believed to be killed. The army crackdown on Rohingyas has drawn global condemnation.

Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi also sent her minister to Dhaka who in a meeting with Bangladesh foreign minister agreed to take back their nationals following the verification.

Both sides also agreed to form a joint working group, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali said after the meeting.

India’s position was initially perceived as not with Bangladesh on the Rohingya crisis as Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not make any comment during his state visit to Myanmar.

But, later India in the 36th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva made it clear that India wanted the repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh and urged Myanmar to give them citizenship in Rakhine State for a sustainable solution to the crisis.

The external affairs minister during her visit also reiterated the call.

“It is clear that normalcy will only be restored with the return of the displaced persons to Rakhine state,” she had said, adding that India, for its part, has committed to provide financial and technical assistance for identified projects to be undertaken in Rakhine State in conjunction with the local authorities.

“We have also supported the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Kofi Annan led Special Advisory Commission report.”

Referring to the 1971 War of Independence, she also said that India has always stepped in to assist Bangladesh in times of need.

She also said that to India, Bangladesh comes first among all neighbours.

“The external affairs minister was very categorical when she said that they must be returned and this is for the peace and security of the region,” said another Indian diplomat who wished not to be named while talking to bdnews24.com.

“We are deeply disturbed by the situation,” the diplomat said, adding that India is, however, against using any force.

“It can be counterproductive if our approach is forceful”.

India, earlier, in Geneva, said the efforts must be to enable Bangladesh and Myanmar “to work together vigorously to facilitate the immediate and safe return of the displaced persons and restoration of normalcy and communal harmony in Rakhine State”.