India has expressed concern over certain unwarranted references to India in a report by a Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. The report by Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews had blamed India for preventing refugees fleeing violence and human rights violations from entering India and pushing back Myanmar refugees.
In response to the report, Indian diplomat PR Thulasidhass said that India takes note of the report but is concerned about some unwarranted references to India. He said that such remarks do not contribute to improving the situation in Myanmar and undermine India’s efforts towards peace and stability in the country.
Thulasidass further added that India is committed to strengthening the democratic process in Myanmar and has been extending assistance in kind to the country through various connectivity projects, infrastructure projects, capacity-building initiatives, developmental projects under the Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP), Border Area Development Programme, among others.
India also remains committed to resolving the issue of the repatriation of displaced persons from the Rakhine state, Thulasidass said. He emphasized that India has high stakes in resolving this issue as it is a neighboring country to both Bangladesh and Myanmar. India will continue to support the endeavors of the Government of Bangladesh and will continue to build capacities in the Rakhine State.