Rohingya refugees at a camp at Baruipur , around 45 kms from Kolkata

NEW DELHI: The government on Tuesday said some of the Rohingya living in India do not have the status of "refugee" but are "illegal migrants" who would be deported once their details have been prepared.

"Their entry is illegal. They are living here illegally. There is no question of providing them any facility from the government... We are not here for giving rights to illegal migrants," said MoS Home Kiren Rijiju while responding to members' questions in Lok Sabha. He also said the government had reports, showing Rohingyas' involvement in "illegal activities", though he refused to give details."There is no need to reveal those details," said Rijiju during Question Hour.

The opposition TMC member, Sugata Bose, however, sought to look at the issue with a different perspective while asking his question. He wanted to know whether India is prepared to abide by all international laws and whether the country will honour its tradition of giving shelter to all persecuted people, especially refugees. Rijiju, however, hit back, saying he was saddened by Bose's stand.

Union home minister Rajnath Singh informed the House that though states have a right under the Foreigners Act to deport illegal migrants, states have been directed to carry out enumeration of such illegal immigrants.

