@ScribeTricky : Rohingyas, one of the most persecuted minorities of the world had to face brunt of the Myanmar state. The counter insurgency offensive, launched by the Myanmar army has left many Rohingyas suffering. This has been dubbed by many Human rights watchdogs as ‘state sponsored ethnic cleansing’.
The persecution has a long history. Exact origin of Rohingya is yet to be clear. Many buy the idea that Rohingyas have Bengali connection. Consequently, Myanmar authorities refused to extend citizenship rights, worship rights and educational rights as they have been regarded as refugees.
Following violence, many Rohingyas tried to escape the persecution and flee to Bangladesh. Destiny has its cruel way. Bangladeshi authorities turned down refugees’ request for entry into the country. The requests made by Bangladeshi opposition parties in Dhaka that have been calling to extend shelter to the Rohingyas notwithstanding, the authorities thought otherwise.
Meanwhile, international Human Rights watchdogs have increased pressure on Myanmar to be accommodative with their ethnic minority. Aung San Suui Kyi, a passionate Human Right campaigner herself was forced to call off her trip to Jakarta. Her deafening silence has been deciphered as giving free hand to the army. The important fact that, however, is being missed is that Democracy is still in its nascent stage in Naypyidaw. Any effort to catch bull by its horn could backfire.
The Way Ahead:
The growing issue of refugees around the globe is a crucial stage. Every time a refugee issue irrupts we are comfortable with providing a piecemeal arrangement for the particular issue. The issue of Rohingya has to be seen in a larger context with respect to the issue of refugees and pressure exerted on the economy, especially in the Third World Countries. When developed economies of West aren’t comfortable with refugee influx, how could we expect Bangladesh or any Third World Country to deal with it?
The issue of Rohingya should not be solved in a piecemeal way and has to be addressed within the global context of refugees if we want a stable tomorrow. The countryless Rohingyas could be replaced by any other identity tomorrow. But a mechanism placed at this moment would be beneficial in the longer run.
