India is home to a culturally diverse population and the birthplace of various religions. As such, one would expect almost anyone to be given a big-hearted welcome upon stepping into such a land. Yet for refugees, and Rohingyas in particular, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Rohingyas constitute the largest minority in Myanmar, yet estimates of their exact numbers vary widely. It’s safe to say, however, that there are at least a million in the Northwestern state of Rakhine, while an even larger number has been forced to flee to countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Bangladesh among others, due to government-sponsored persecution and violence. In India, the community of Rohingyas is relatively small in comparison to these other nations, but their struggle is no less compelling.
As of March 2016, 35 thousand refugees and asylum-seekers had registered with UNHCR in India, around 13 thousand of whom were Rohingyas. In Delhi, there is a community of approximately six to seven hundred, living primarily in pockets of Kalindi Kunj, Shaheen Bagh, JJ Colony, Bodola Goung and Hastall. (Courtesy of youthkiawaaz.com)
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