Don't deport Rohingyas: Citizens write to Modi ahead of SC hearing

October 13, 2017 09:02

The Narendra Modi government must lead a "global response" to the "humanitarian tragedy" that is unfolding in Myanmar's Rakhine and prepare a "bold vision" that addresses the needs of thousands of Rohingya who have fled their homes in the wake of violence that has gripped the state.

That is the crux of a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and signed by 51 eminent citizens. The two-page letter was released by human rights organisation Amnesty International India and deals exclusively with the Rohingya crisis and the Indian government's response to it.

The letter was released yesterday, a day before the Supreme Court takes up a petition filed by Rohingya living in India against the government's decision to deport them. The Modi government has told the Supreme Court that the Rohingya are staying in India illegally and are a security threat.

The letter asks the Modi government to reconsider its approach to the Rohingya issue. It has been signed by a cross-section of politicians, human rights lawyers and activists, artists and artistes, entrepreneurs and journalists.

Some of those who have signed the letter include ex-finance minister P Chidambaram, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, lawyer Prashant Bhushan, former union home secretary GK Pillai, MP Majeed Memon, former Army officer and columnist Ajai Shukla, activist Teesta Setalvad, and actress Swara Bhaskar.

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