<p>Indian ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Wednesday (August 17) clarified that it has not issued any directive to provide economically weaker section (EWS) flats to the "illegal foreigners" in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The home ministry has estimated that around 40,000 Rohingya migrants live in different parts of the country, including the national capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The MHA also asked the Arvind Kejriwal government to ensure the illegal foreigners remained at their present location.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the law, the MHA also said the Rohingya illegal foreigners are to be kept in detention centres until their deportation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-the-rohingyas-residential-flats-controversy-in-india-507847">What is the Rohingyas' residential flats controversy in India?</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>A tweet by home minister's office (HMO) India stated: "With respect to news reports in certain sections of media regarding Rohingya illegal foreigners, it is clarified that Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has not given any directions to provide EWS flats to Rohingya illegal migrants at Bakkarwala in New Delhi."&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With respect to news reports in certain sections of media regarding Rohingya illegal foreigners, it is clarified that Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has not given any directions to provide EWS flats to Rohingya illegal migrants at Bakkarwala in New Delhi.</p>
— गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia/status/1559832448460292096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The tweet also added that the "illegal foreigners are to be kept in the detention centre till their deportation as per law".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spokesperson further stated that the government of Delhi has not declared the present location as a detention centre. They have been directed to do the same immediately.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The controversy began when Union minister for housing and urban affairs Hardeep Singh Puri earlier in the day tweeted that Rohingya refugees will be shifted to apartments in Bakkarwala in outer Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Puri also mentioned that they will be provided basic amenities and police protection.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Hardeep Singh Puri" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d731b2ca-7cf7-42d0-9f5a-4367b574a6ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hardeep%20Singh%20Puri_0.png" /></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Indian ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Wednesday (August 17) clarified that it has not issued any directive to provide economically weaker section (EWS) flats to the "illegal foreigners" in New Delhi.

Indian ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Wednesday (August 17) clarified that it has not issued any directive to provide economically weaker section (EWS) flats to the "illegal foreigners" in New Delhi. The home ministry has estimated that around 40,000 Rohingya migrants live in different parts of the country, including the national capital. The MHA also asked the Arvind Kejriwal government to ensure the illegal foreigners remained at their present location. As per the law, the MHA also said the Rohingya illegal foreigners are to be kept in detention centres until their deportation. ALSO READ | What is the Rohingyas' residential flats controversy in India? A tweet by home minister's office (HMO) India stated: "With respect to news reports in certain sections of media regarding Rohingya illegal foreigners, it is clarified that Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has not given any directions to provide EWS flats to Rohingya illegal migrants at Bakkarwala in New Delhi." With respect to news reports in certain sections of media regarding Rohingya illegal foreigners, it is clarified that Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has not given any directions to provide EWS flats to Rohingya illegal migrants at Bakkarwala in New Delhi. — गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) August 17, 2022 × The tweet also added that the "illegal foreigners are to be kept in the detention centre till their deportation as per law". The spokesperson further stated that the government of Delhi has not declared the present location as a detention centre. They have been directed to do the same immediately. The controversy began when Union minister for housing and urban affairs Hardeep Singh Puri earlier in the day tweeted that Rohingya refugees will be shifted to apartments in Bakkarwala in outer Delhi. Puri also mentioned that they will be provided basic amenities and police protection. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Not given any direction to provide flats to Rohingya migrants: Indian home ministry

<p>A controversy erupted on Wednesday over the proposed allocation of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) flats to Rohingya refugees, prompting outrage on social media and a clarification from the Union Home Ministry.</p>

<p>While this announcement was welcomed by many, it sparked widespread outrage on social media. People were not only outraged, but also perplexed by this announcement.</p>

<p>Let's take a look at how this controversy developed and how the government responded.</p>

<p><strong>How did the controversy arise?</strong></p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted that Rohingya refugees would be relocated to EWS (Economically Weaker Section) flats in Delhi's Bakkarwala neighbourhood, where they would be provided with basic amenities.</p>

<p>Taking aim at political opponents, he stated that those who have made a career out of spreading myths about India's refugee policy and linking it to CAA will be disappointed.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India has always welcomed those who have sought refuge in the country. In a landmark decision all <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rohingya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rohingya</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Refugees?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Refugees</a> will be shifted to EWS flats in Bakkarwala area of Delhi. They will be provided basic amenities, UNHCR IDs &amp; round-the-clock <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiPolice</a> protection. <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/E5ShkHOxqE">pic.twitter.com/E5ShkHOxqE</a></p>
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri/status/1559722328640040961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Reactions from political parties</strong></p>

<p>The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also seized on the contentious issue, objecting to the proposed settlement of Rohingya migrants and accusing the Centre of 'lopsided policy." It also accused the government of ignoring the plight of persecuted Hindu refugees from Pakistan and Bangladesh.</p>

<p>According to reports, over 1,000 Rohingya refugees are living in tents throughout the national capital.</p>

<p>Their deportation and settlement has been a contentious issue for the BJP and its opponents. During elections, the saffron party goes on the offensive against Congress governments, accusing them of infiltration, while the latter denies it and accuses the BJP of contaminating the atmosphere by pandering to a specific voter base.</p>

<p><strong>Clarification from the Indian government</strong></p>

<p>The Indian Home Ministry clarified in a tweet that there was no proposal to provide government flats to Rohingya illegal migrants. It also stated that illegal migrants will be deported and will be held in deportation centres until that happens.</p>

<p>"The government of Delhi has not declared the present location as a detention centre. They have been directed to do the same immediately," tweeted Home Ministry.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With respect to news reports in certain sections of media regarding Rohingya illegal foreigners, it is clarified that Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has not given any directions to provide EWS flats to Rohingya illegal migrants at Bakkarwala in New Delhi.</p>
— गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia/status/1559832448460292096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Illegal foreigners are to be kept in Detention Centre till their deportation as per law. The Government of Delhi has not declared the present location as a Detention Centre. They have been directed to do the same immediately.</p>
— गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia/status/1559832452876881921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A controversy erupted on Wednesday over the proposed allocation of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) flats to Rohingya refugees, prompting outrage on social media and a clarification from the Union Home Ministry.

A controversy erupted on Wednesday over the proposed allocation of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) flats to Rohingya refugees, prompting outrage on social media and a clarification from the Union Home Ministry. While this announcement was welcomed by many, it sparked widespread outrage on social media. People were not only outraged, but also perplexed by this announcement. Let's take a look at how this controversy developed and how the government responded. How did the controversy arise? Earlier in the day, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted that Rohingya refugees would be relocated to EWS (Economically Weaker Section) flats in Delhi's Bakkarwala neighbourhood, where they would be provided with basic amenities. Taking aim at political opponents, he stated that those who have made a career out of spreading myths about India's refugee policy and linking it to CAA will be disappointed. India has always welcomed those who have sought refuge in the country. In a landmark decision all #Rohingya #Refugees will be shifted to EWS flats in Bakkarwala area of Delhi. They will be provided basic amenities, UNHCR IDs & round-the-clock @DelhiPolice protection. @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/E5ShkHOxqE — Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) August 17, 2022 × Reactions from political parties The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also seized on the contentious issue, objecting to the proposed settlement of Rohingya migrants and accusing the Centre of 'lopsided policy." It also accused the government of ignoring the plight of persecuted Hindu refugees from Pakistan and Bangladesh. According to reports, over 1,000 Rohingya refugees are living in tents throughout the national capital. Their deportation and settlement has been a contentious issue for the BJP and its opponents. During elections, the saffron party goes on the offensive against Congress governments, accusing them of infiltration, while the latter denies it and accuses the BJP of contaminating the atmosphere by pandering to a specific voter base. Clarification from the Indian government The Indian Home Ministry clarified in a tweet that there was no proposal to provide government flats to Rohingya illegal migrants. It also stated that illegal migrants will be deported and will be held in deportation centres until that happens. "The government of Delhi has not declared the present location as a detention centre. They have been directed to do the same immediately," tweeted Home Ministry. With respect to news reports in certain sections of media regarding Rohingya illegal foreigners, it is clarified that Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has not given any directions to provide EWS flats to Rohingya illegal migrants at Bakkarwala in New Delhi. — गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) August 17, 2022 × Illegal foreigners are to be kept in Detention Centre till their deportation as per law. The Government of Delhi has not declared the present location as a Detention Centre. They have been directed to do the same immediately. — गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) August 17, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

What is the Rohingyas' residential flats controversy in India?

A Thai court sentenced an alleged kingpin to 35 years in prison today for smuggling and trafficking Rohingya migrants from Myanmar.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, a court in southern Nakhon Si Thammarat province found Sunand Saengthong guilty of human trafficking and enslavement.<br />
<br />
&quot;Overall he was sentenced to 35 years and a fine of 660,000 baht ($19,000),&quot; a spokesman at Pak Phanang provincial court told AFP.<br />
<br />
&quot;We didn&#39;t think that the court was going to come down this hard, with 35 years. The punishment was more than we had expected,&quot; Janjira Janpaew, a human rights lawyer was quoted as saying by Reuters.<br />
<br />
Sunand&#39;s two other accomplices Suriya Yodrak and Warachai Chadathong were found guilty of lesser crimes and sentenced to one year and six months in jail respectively. They were sentenced for illegally bringing aliens into Thailand.<br />
<br />
&quot;Witness testimonies in court found that money from the human trafficking gang was transferred to Sunand&#39;s bank account,&quot; the court statement said, adding that he was &quot;a mastermind of Rohingya trafficking&quot; in the south.<br />
<br />
Sunand was arrested after a police raid in January led to the discovery of 98 Rohingya men, women and children, of which 42 were boys and girls younger than 14 years of age. The Asian Human Rights Commission said the migrants crammed in so tight that some had suffocated to death.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
There are at least eight other court cases related to the Rohingya trafficking rings, according to the Migrant Working Group, which is monitoring the cases. One of the major ongoing trials includes at least 88 defendants and some 500 witnesses.<br />
<br />
Around one million Rohingya live in western Rakhine state, where they are forced to live in apartheid-like conditions and are denied citizenship. The Rohingya face persecution and poverty in Myanmar, and after deadly religious violence erupted there in 2012, tens of thousands began fleeing by boat in an effort to get to Malaysia.<br />
<br />
(WION with inputs from agencies)

Sunand Saengthong was arrested after a police raid in January led to the discovery of 98 Rohingya migrants of whom more than 40 were minors

A Thai court sentenced an alleged kingpin to 35 years in prison today for smuggling and trafficking Rohingya migrants from Myanmar. On Wednesday, a court in southern Nakhon Si Thammarat province found Sunand Saengthong guilty of human trafficking and enslavement. "Overall he was sentenced to 35 years and a fine of 660,000 baht ($19,000)," a spokesman at Pak Phanang provincial court told AFP. "We didn't think that the court was going to come down this hard, with 35 years. The punishment was more than we had expected," Janjira Janpaew, a human rights lawyer was quoted as saying by Reuters. Sunand's two other accomplices Suriya Yodrak and Warachai Chadathong were found guilty of lesser crimes and sentenced to one year and six months in jail respectively. They were sentenced for illegally bringing aliens into Thailand. "Witness testimonies in court found that money from the human trafficking gang was transferred to Sunand's bank account," the court statement said, adding that he was "a mastermind of Rohingya trafficking" in the south. Sunand was arrested after a police raid in January led to the discovery of 98 Rohingya men, women and children, of which 42 were boys and girls younger than 14 years of age. The Asian Human Rights Commission said the migrants crammed in so tight that some had suffocated to death. There are at least eight other court cases related to the Rohingya trafficking rings, according to the Migrant Working Group, which is monitoring the cases. One of the major ongoing trials includes at least 88 defendants and some 500 witnesses. Around one million Rohingya live in western Rakhine state, where they are forced to live in apartheid-like conditions and are denied citizenship. The Rohingya face persecution and poverty in Myanmar, and after deadly religious violence erupted there in 2012, tens of thousands began fleeing by boat in an effort to get to Malaysia. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Thai kingpin sentenced to 35 years for trafficking Rohingya migrants