Introduction
official permission or prohibition on their freedom of movement.
However, for those in makeshift camps, stepping outside of the camp
places them at risk of arrest and detention under the Foreigners
Act, which is an issue as lack of income generation within camps
compels them to venture outside with these significant risks.
In addition to arrest and detention by the police, Rohingya are at
risk of being bullied, harassed and beaten by the local population.
The ‘Rohingya Resistance Committees’ in different areas of Cox’s
Bazaar lead hate campaigns against the Rohingya. More recently,
the Bangladeshi government’s stance toward the Rohingya has
hardened following the failure of the latest repatriation attempt.
Bangladesh has imposed a ban on the activities of scores of nongovernmental organisations in Rohingya camps, limited mobile
phone services to Rohingya, and is even planning to set up barbed
wire around the camps to prevent their movement.
India
Refugees in India include, though are not limited to, Tibetans, Tamils
from Sri Lanka, and Chakma and Hajongs from the Chittagong
Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, all of whom receive full protection by
the Indian government; Afghans and Rohingya, whose presence
is acknowledged by the UNHCR; Chins, Rakhines and Nagas from
Myanmar, who are not officially recognised as refugees as they
have assimilated into the local communities; and ethnic Nepalis
from Bhutan and religious minority refugees from neighbouring
countries who live in unofficial camps in India. Among and beyond
these, several groups are threatened by statelessness. There is
also a marked contrast in the stated government policy towards
persecuted non-Muslims, who are viewed favourably, and Muslims,
who are viewed negatively. Yet, the living conditions reported by
all of them are broadly similar and depressing: poor security, lack
of basic amenities, poor healthcare and education facilities, and
limited employment and livelihood opportunities.
Chakma and Hajongs can legally receive citizenship due to a
1996 order from the Indian Supreme Court. Yet, resistance from
local student groups in the Indian northeast and politicians have
resulted in these groups living in limbo, unable to access services
and jobs. Kashmiri ex-militants and their families, too, remain in
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