Indian navy reportedly forces Rohingya refugees into the sea
Indian authorities are facing serious allegations of forcibly removing Rohingya refugees from a naval vessel and abandoning them at sea near the Myanmar border, according to statements from the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), family members, and legal representatives.
In a statement released on Thursday, the UNHCR reported that at least 40 Rohingya refugees, previously detained in New Delhi, were taken to the maritime boundary with Myanmar and forced into the sea by the Indian Navy after being given life jackets. The group included women, children, and elderly individuals. While they reportedly managed to swim ashore, their current status and location within Myanmar remain unknown.
On Friday, five Rohingya individuals confirmed that their relatives were among those detained on May 6. They stated that the group, which included 15 Christians, was flown out by aircraft and then abandoned at sea on May 8.
Attorney Dilawar Hussain, representing the affected families, said a petition has been filed with India’s Supreme Court, urging authorities to repatriate the refugees to New Delhi.
India’s foreign ministry and naval officials have not issued any comment regarding the allegations.
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