The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:
The Polit Bureau expresses its deep concern at the Central Government’s instruction to the North-Eastern state governments to check the influx of people coming in from Myanmar. The Home Ministry in a letter has asked the states to identify “illegal migrants”, hold them and start deportation proceedings.
This is an inhuman and anti-democratic stand towards people fleeing the violence perpetrated by the military rulers who have seized power ousting the elected government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Indian people have great sympathy and support for the neighbouring people of Myanmar who are valiantly protesting against the military takeover.
The Indian government should reflect this sympathy and not treat the people who have crossed over fearing for their lives as “illegal migrants”. They should be given refugee status and provided humanitarian assiatance.