Granting refuge to Rohingyas harmful for Indian Muslims: Shiv Sena

It is not in the interest of Indian Muslims to give refuge to Rohingya immigrants and the government should not pay heed to the "vote hungry" politicians of the country, said the Shiv Sena on Saturday. 

Questioning the patriotism of those who are rooting to grant refuge to Rohingyas, the Sena said, "Having sympathy for these people for votes is the height of anti-nationalism. Already, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis are living here in large numbers.

"If Rohingyas also get added now due to these vote-hungry politicians, it will not be long before what happenedin Myanmar happens here as well. And in the process, Indian Muslims will be crushed," the Sena said in an editorial in its mouthpiece 'Saamana'. 

It should be noted that large number of Rohingyas have faced exodus at the hands of Myanmarese army which has resulted a high influx into Bangladesh and India.  "At present, around 40,000 Rohingyas are living in the country.

The Centre has told the Supreme Court that Rohingya Muslims have entered India illegally and are a threat to the nation's security. "The Centre also believes some of them have links with Pakistan's (spy agency) ISI," the Sena organ said.

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"If somebody wants these people to stay and prosper here, do they have any patriotism in their blood? It is because of some selfish Muslim clerics that a common Muslim man is always under suspicion," the Marathi daily added.

Two days ago, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the Rohingyas are illegal immigrants and not refugees who have applied for asylum in India.

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The Centre told Parliament on August 9 that more than 14,000 Rohingyas, registered with the UNHCR, are at present staying in India. However, aid agencies estimate there are about 40,000 Rohingya Muslims in the country.  

(With PTI inputs)