UN Expert’s Myanmar Refugee Claims Called ‘Baseless’ by India

New Delhi has strongly denounced a UN expert’s report that alleged Myanmar refugees in India faced intensified pressure after the Pahalgam terror attack. India’s delegation to the UN General Assembly labeled the report’s assertions as ‘biased and narrow-minded.’ MP Dilip Saikia, representing India, directly challenged the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, Thomas Andrews, stating that the report’s observations were ‘baseless’ and unfairly framed the Pahalgam attack through a ‘communal lens.’ Saikia highlighted that the report’s premise was flawed, as no Myanmar nationals were implicated in the terrorist incident. He criticized the Special Rapporteur for relying on ‘unverified and skewed media reports’ that, according to Saikia, aimed to malign India. Saikia underscored India’s inclusive society, home to a significant Muslim population. He also reaffirmed India’s stance on promoting peace and democracy in Myanmar through a led process, stressing humanitarian concerns and people-centric relief efforts. The report’s mention of India’s detention and deportation of Rohingya refugees was also addressed, with India expected to provide a response.