India on Monday asked Myanmar security forces to take necessary action to prevent further Rohingya exodus and encourage their safe and sustainable return from Bangladesh, reiterating its concern over the issue at the just concluded UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

"India remains deeply concerned at the situation in Rakhine state of Myanmar. It is important for the Myanmar security forces to handle the situation with restraint, focusing on the welfare of the civilian population," an Indian High Commission statement quoted the Indian representative as telling the Council's 36th Session on Friday.

The statement of Indian High Commission said, the Indian envoy said Myanmar security forces operations resulted in the exodus of a large number of people from Rakhine state, many of whom have sought shelter in neighboring Bangladesh.

The Indian representative commended Bangladesh's role in extending humanitarian assistance to such a large influx of people from Rakhine state saying Bangladesh deserves both recognition and support by the international community.

"As a neighbour, friend and partner of Bangladesh, India has responded promptly to support the Government of Bangladesh in meeting the relief requirements posed by this large influx," the message said.

India, he said, was convinced that the only lasting solution to the situation in the Rakhine state is the socio-economic and infrastructure development in the state and a resolution of underlying issues of citizenship and residence in line with the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission.

"All efforts must be made to restore normalcy in the state through a solution based on respect for peace, communal harmony, justice, dignity and democratic values," the Indian envoy said.

"Our effort within the framework of this body must be to help the Government of Myanmar meet its responsibilities towards its people, including all communities belonging to Rakhine state," he added.

The representative, however, welcomed Myanmar government's commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission and assurance to take back people who had fled to Bangladesh from Rakhine state.

During the Human Rights Council meeting on September 29, India said, "The role being played by Bangladesh in extending humanitarian assistance to such a large influx of people from Rakhine state is commendable and deserves both recognition and support by the international community. As a neigbour, friend and partner of Bangladesh, India has responded promptly to support the Government of Bangladesh in meeting the relief requirements posed by this large influx."

The relief provided both by the air and sea supplied the basic necessities by way of 15 kg packs for each family of recently arrived displaced persons in Bangladesh. "Thus, we have supported 72,000 families to meet their essential needs in the relief camps," said the Indian High commission media release.

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