Rohingyas say no to conditional citizenship
Myanmar teams meet on repatriation inconclusive
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT, Dhaka
The meeting between Rohingya delegation and the visiting Myanmarese delegation ended yesterday (Sunday). However, they could not arrive at a final decision for starting the repatriation process. Sources said the visiting delegation wanted to offer citizenship to the Rohingyas under certain conditions under Myanmars Citizenship Act, 1982, but the Rohingyas turned them down, saying that they wanted full citizenship.
The sources have also said the Rohingyas have asked the delegation to come back after two months for further discussion on the repatriation process. Permanent secretary of foreign affairs Myint Thu, who led the delegation, yesterday told the media at Ukhia camp in Coxs Bazar: Myanmar is ready to start the repatriation. This has been communicated to the Rohingyas.
Speaking about citizenship, he said, Three kinds of citizenship are given under the Citizenship Act, 1982. As per Provision III of the Act, people who are living for three generations can get neutralised citizenship. So they have validity to stay as Myanmar citizens under this Act.
He added: Well provide the Rohingyas electronic ID cards as per the Act. There will be no problem in having the cards.
He also said, The repatriation process will start after discussion with both sides. After we return, well also hold talks with the delegation of the international community and our foreign ministry.
The delegation went to Rohingya camp-4 at Kutupalang and held a meeting with around 35 Rohingya delegations. The Rohingyas demanded that they be given citizenship and freedom of movement in Myanmar. The visiting delegation assured them that their demands would be fulfilled after they return.
Meanwhile, foreign minister AK Abdul Momen, after attending a conference at North South University in the capital, told the media: The Rohingyas should go back to their country. If they dont go, their problems wont be resolved. They have to return to their own land.
But some people are persuading the Rohingyas that they should get whatever they demand, achieve everything, before returning to Rakhine. We earnestly want them to go back. The visiting team tried to make them understand that the situation in Rakhine has improved. Their safety and security would be ensured, he added.
If they dont go back to their country, their rights wont be realised. But some organisations are instigating the Rohingyas not to go back. Such organisations are doing it for their own purpose. Were trying to resolve it, he said.
There are many Muslims in Myanmar, including the Rohingyas. Why are these Rohingyas irritated with their government? Why this deficit of trust? If they get the cards from Myanmar, its a part of citizenship. But now, they are demanding a lot, the minister said.
The Rohingyas have started demanding a lot of things. Weve to take a decision in this regard. They should go back if they are assured safety and dignity. Then all their problems will be resolved. We want their repatriation, he said.
Were giving the Rohingyas food and shelter. Around Tk. 2,500 crore has been spent from the exchequer. Foreign countries have provided USD 961 million. But such assistance wont come in future. Then they will face a difficult situation, he observed.
NS
