Rohingya migrants pose a threat to national security: Centre

New Delhi: The Centre today said that illegal migrants (including Rohingyas) pose a threat to national security.

It reiterated that there are reports about some Rohingya migrants indulging in illegal activities.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to question in the Rajya Sabha today said that India has signed the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on 14 October 1997.

However, India has not ratified the Convention. India acceded to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) on 10.04.1979.

India has not ratified the UNCAT and therefore, the question of refoulement of Rohingya Muslims does not arise. As per provisions of Article 13 of ICCPR and the Declarations made by India at the time of its accession, even a lawful alien may be expelled in accordance with the applicable laws.

The centre said that detention and deportation of illegal migrants after nationality verification is a continuous process.

The powers of the Central Government under Section 3 of The Foreigners Act, 1946 to deport illegal foreign nationals and powers under Section 5 of The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 to remove an illegal foreigner by force have also been entrusted under Article 258(1) of the Constitution of India to all the State Governments.

Further, under Article 239(1) of the Constitution of India, Administrators of all Union Territories have also been directed to discharge the functions of the Central Government relating to the aforesaid powers.