Oppressed Rohingya refugees have leveled severe allegations against India, claiming that authorities in Delhi detained them, placed them on naval ships, and abandoned them at sea. Nearly 40 Rohingyas have made similar claims.
A report by British media outlet BBC on Friday noted that the United Nations has described the incident as posing an “extreme risk” to the lives of the Rohingyas.
Nurul Amin, a Rohingya refugee, said that on May 9, his brother Khairul and two other family members went missing from Delhi. He later learned that they had been sent back to Myanmar, leaving their future uncertain due to the ongoing civil war. “I never imagined the agony my parents and relatives were enduring,” Nurul Amin said.
Three months later, the BBC located the refugees in Myanmar, many of whom had taken shelter with the resistance group, the Arakan Army. Syed Noor, another Rohingya, said, “We are not safe here; the area is a complete war zone.”
According to survivors, they were first flown from Delhi to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then transported by bus to naval ships. With their eyes and mouths covered and hands bound with plastic, they were lowered into small boats and cast into the sea one by one. While life jackets were provided, the refugees ultimately reached the shore with the help of local fishermen.
One refugee, John, said, “We were tied up like prisoners, taken onto the ship, and thrown into the sea one by one.” Some also claimed to have been beaten. Foyaz Ullah showed marks on his hands, saying, “I was hit with fists, kicks, and sticks.”
UN special rapporteur Thomas Andrews stated that he has “significant evidence” regarding the incident, which was submitted to the head of India’s mission but received no response.
According to the UN, around 23,800 Rohingyas are registered in India, though Human Rights Watch estimates the actual number exceeds 40,000. India classifies them as “illegal immigrants,” not refugees.
Meanwhile, Nurul Amin and a relative have petitioned India’s Supreme Court to halt the expulsion of Rohingyas and seek compensation. A judge, however, called the allegations “fantastical,” and the next hearing is scheduled for September 29.
Nurul Amin expressed fear: “At any moment, we could be taken and thrown into the sea. We are even afraid to leave our homes now.”
Source: BBC.