India has asked Myanmar to ensure security to prevent further Rohingya exodus and encourage their safe and sustainable return from Bangladesh. An Indian representative at just concluded UN Human Rights Council in Geneva asked Myanmar security forces to handle the situation with restraint.
"India remains deeply concerned at the situation in Rakhine state of Myanmar. It is important for the Myanmar security forces to handle the situation with restraint, focusing on the welfare of the civilian population," a media reports quoted the Indian representative as telling the Council's 36th Session on Friday.
Nearly 500,000 refugees have crossed the border from Myanmar's Rakhine State to Bangladesh since August 25 when a military crackdown was launched following attacks on security forces allegedly by Rohingya militants.
India commended Bangladesh's role in extending humanitarian assistance to such a large influx of people saying Bangladesh deserves both recognition and support by the international community.
"As a neighbour, friend and partner of Bangladesh, India has responded promptly to support the Government of Bangladesh in meeting the relief requirements posed by this large influx," the statement said.
The only lasting solution to the situation in the Rakhine state is the socio-economic and infrastructure development in the state and a resolution of underlying issues of citizenship and residence in line with the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission, it said.
"All efforts must be made to restore normalcy in the state through a solution based on respect for peace, communal harmony, justice, dignity and democratic values," the Indian representative said.
"Our effort within the framework of this body must be to help the Government of Myanmar meet its responsibilities towards its people, including all communities belonging to Rakhine state," he added.
The representative welcomed Myanmar government's commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission and assurance to take back people who had fled to Bangladesh from Rakhine state.
Myanmar on Monday proposed to take back over half a million of its Rohingyas from Bangladesh as the two countries agreed to set up a working group to coordinate the repatriation of the minority Muslims.
Bangladesh's Foreign minister A H Mahmood Ali today held talks here with a senior representative of Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The two sides agreed on forming a joint working group to oversee the repatriation process but its composition would be decided later by both the countries, Ali said.
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