Modi mum on Rohingya persecution during meeting with Suu Kyi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed concern over “extremist violence” in Myanmar’s Rakhine and “violence against security forces” but skipped mention of the alleged persecution of Rohingyas, which the UN says could turn into a humanitarian catastrophe, reports Hindustan Times. Modi also praised Aung San Suu Kyi’s “leadership” amid mounting criticism of an alleged state-sponsored persecution of the minority Muslim community, forcing an estimated 1,25,000 people to flee to Bangladesh and India. Myanmar has an estimated 1.1m Rohingya people.

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“We share your concerns about extremist violence in Rakhine state and violence against security forces and how innocent lives have been affected,” Modi said in a joint statement with Suu Kyi at Myanmar’s capital Nay Pyi Taw. “We hope that all stakeholders together can find a way out in which unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar is respected,” he said, adding “peace, justice, dignity and democratic values for all” can be achieved.

Sharing my remarks at the joint press meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. https://t.co/3qc9vFzxGR

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2017

Suu Kyi, the de-facto leader of Buddhist-majority Myanmar, thanked India for taking a strong stand on the “terror threat” faced by her country. She said India and Myanmar jointly can ensure that terrorism is not allowed to take root on their soil or on the soil of neighbouring countries. Modi is expected to raise the issue of Rohingya exodus into neighbouring countries.

Held fruitful talks with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. pic.twitter.com/wUpwthCosv— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2017

The Indian government says it will deport an estimated 40,000 Rohingyas staying illegally in the country. The leader of Buddhist-majority Myanmar has come under pressure from countries with Muslim populations over the crisis, and on Tuesday UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres warned of the risk of ethnic cleansing and regional destabilisation.

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In a rare letter expressing concern that the violence that has raged for nearly two weeks could spiral into a “humanitarian catastrophe”, Guterres urged the UN Security Council to press for restraint and calm. The latest violence in Rakhine state began 12 days ago when Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base. The ensuing clashes and a military counter-offensive have killed at least 400 people and triggered the exodus of villagers to Bangladesh.

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Suu Kyi has been accused by Western critics of not speaking out for the minority that has long complained of persecution, and some have called for the Nobel Peace Prize she won in 1991 as a champion of democracy to be revoked.