India should give shelter to Rohingya refugees, says Taslima Nasreen
Popular Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen believes India should participate proactively in the ongoing Rohingya crisis by providing a home to the refugees who're fleeing Myanmar. The Indian government, however, made its stand on the issue clear earlier this year, saying it thinks of Rohingyas as 'illegal' immigrants who pose a serious threat to the 'national security'. Nasreen has urged India to "reconsider its decision."
Taslima Nasreen says not every Rohingya is a terrorist and if Bangladesh can provide an asylum to the refugees, then India should too. She thinks India is better equipped than Bangladesh or Pakistan in tackling terrorism and migrants. According to government estimates, there are more than 54,000 Rohingyas living in India presently, of which only 14,000 are registered with the UNHCR.
Taslima Nasreen, known for writing controversial novels like Lajja, has been living in exile since she left her home in Bangladesh in 1994. Her Indian visa was extended for another year in June'17. A Swedish citizen, she's been getting her Indian visa extended since 2004.
Meanwhile, Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday finally addressed the humanitarian crisis affecting over a million Rohingyas. In a speech that's been widely condemned for not taking into account the excesses of the military and the government's apathy, Suu Kyi said Myanmar doesn't fear world scrutiny. The violence in Rakhine has so far forced over 4,00,000 Rohingya Muslims to leave Bangladesh.
