Rohingya Refugees Recount Deportation by India and Abandonment at Sea

Rohingya Persecution and Flight

• Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority, have faced widespread atrocities in Myanmar since eight years ago.
• Over one million Rohingya have fled Myanmar to neighboring countries, including India, seeking refuge.

Deportation from India

• A group of 40 UN-recognized Rohingya refugees in Delhi were forcibly deported by the Indian government.
• They were flown to the Andaman and Nicobar islands and then put on a naval vessel towards Myanmar.
• Upon reaching waters off Myanmar, they were instructed to board smaller lifeboats, with their hands bound.
• Refugees were forced to jump off the lifeboats one by one and swim over 100 meters to reach the seashore.

Conditions in India and Myanmar

• The Indian government labels registered UN refugees as "illegal immigrants."
• Deported refugees described their current situation in Myanmar as a "war zone" and expressed fear for their safety.
• There is ongoing fear among Rohingya in India that they might also be deported and abandoned at sea.

Lack of Response

• The Indian government has not responded to requests for comment regarding the deportation.
• The refugees expressed feelings of helplessness and being treated inhumanely, comparing themselves to "humans, not animals."