The UN refugee agency has expressed regret over India's decision to repatriate a group of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-repatriation-relocation-plans-to-be-pushed-back-to-2019-bangladesh-official-178126">Rohingya to Myanmar</a>, saying it has sought clarification from India on the circumstances under which the asylum seekers were sent back, voicing concern over the unconducive conditions for such returns.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said Friday that it "regrets <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-deport-second-rohingya-group-to-myanmar-on-thursday-188020">India's decision to repatriate</a> a family of Rohingya asylum seekers to Myanmar, the second such return in three months," Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Farhan Haq told reporters at the daily press briefing.

The UN refugee agency said a family of Rohingya asylum-seekers from Rakhine State, registered with UNHCR in India, was sent back to Myanmar on Thursday after being detained in Assam, where they had been serving a prison term since 2013 for illegal entry into India.

The agency said despite repeated requests, it did not receive a response from the authorities in India regarding requests for access to individuals in detention to ascertain their circumstances and to assess the voluntariness of their decision to return.&nbsp;

Noting that this was the second such incident since October 2018, when India returned seven Rohingya men to Rakhine State in Myanmar, the agency said conditions are not conducive for return of Rohingya to Myanmar.

"UNHCR continues to request access and seek clarification on the circumstances under which the return has taken place,"&nbsp;the agency added.

There are an estimated 18,000 Rohingya refugees and asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR in India, living across different locations.

Responding to a question on the Rohingya being returned to Myanmar, Haq said the UN wants to ensure that whenever any family is returned, the nature of the return was voluntary. "And UNHCR was not able to assess the voluntary nature of that return, and so they are very concerned about this," he said.

When asked if the Secretary-General intends to talk directly to India over the issue since the UN refugee agency has "failed", Haq replied "I wouldn't say that UNHCR has failed. What I would say is that there's movements on the ground about which they are concerned, but they are in charge of this particular file, and we'll see how it goes with their efforts."&nbsp;

Assam Additional Director General of Police (Border) Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta has said in Guwahati that the five members of the Rohingya family were handed over to the Myanmarese authorities along the International Border in Manipur.&nbsp;

"They were apprehended about five years ago without any travel document and were booked for violating the Foreigners Act,"&nbsp;Mahanta has said.&nbsp;

The UN refugee agency has expressed regret over India's decision to repatriate a group of Rohingya to Myanmar, saying it has sought clarification from India on the circumstances under which the asylum seekers were sent back, voicing concern over the unconducive conditions for such returns.

The UN refugee agency has expressed regret over India's decision to repatriate a group of Rohingya to Myanmar, saying it has sought clarification from India on the circumstances under which the asylum seekers were sent back, voicing concern over the unconducive conditions for such returns. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said Friday that it "regrets India's decision to repatriate a family of Rohingya asylum seekers to Myanmar, the second such return in three months," Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Farhan Haq told reporters at the daily press briefing. The UN refugee agency said a family of Rohingya asylum-seekers from Rakhine State, registered with UNHCR in India, was sent back to Myanmar on Thursday after being detained in Assam, where they had been serving a prison term since 2013 for illegal entry into India. The agency said despite repeated requests, it did not receive a response from the authorities in India regarding requests for access to individuals in detention to ascertain their circumstances and to assess the voluntariness of their decision to return. Noting that this was the second such incident since October 2018, when India returned seven Rohingya men to Rakhine State in Myanmar, the agency said conditions are not conducive for return of Rohingya to Myanmar. "UNHCR continues to request access and seek clarification on the circumstances under which the return has taken place," the agency added. There are an estimated 18,000 Rohingya refugees and asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR in India, living across different locations. Responding to a question on the Rohingya being returned to Myanmar, Haq said the UN wants to ensure that whenever any family is returned, the nature of the return was voluntary. "And UNHCR was not able to assess the voluntary nature of that return, and so they are very concerned about this," he said. When asked if the Secretary-General intends to talk directly to India over the issue since the UN refugee agency has "failed", Haq replied "I wouldn't say that UNHCR has failed. What I would say is that there's movements on the ground about which they are concerned, but they are in charge of this particular file, and we'll see how it goes with their efforts." Assam Additional Director General of Police (Border) Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta has said in Guwahati that the five members of the Rohingya family were handed over to the Myanmarese authorities along the International Border in Manipur. "They were apprehended about five years ago without any travel document and were booked for violating the Foreigners Act," Mahanta has said.

UNHCR seeks clarification from India over repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar

Indian police on Thursday took a Rohingya Muslim family of five to the border by bus, readying to deport them to neighbouring Myanmar as the second such group expelled in four months during a crackdown on illegal immigrants.

The government regards the Rohingya as illegal and a security risk. It has ordered that tens of thousands of the community, who live in small settlements and slums, be identified and repatriated.

The husband, wife and three children comprising the family set to be expelled on Thursday had been arrested and jailed in Assam in 2014 for entering India without valid documents, police said.

"These five people are now at the border gate in the adjoining Manipur state and we are waiting for Myanmar officials to hand them over formally," Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, Assam`s additional director general of police, told Reuters.

Jails in Assam held 20 more Myanmar nationals, all arrested for illegal entry, he added. But it was not immediately clear if all were Rohingya, a largely stateless Muslim minority in Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

"We shall send them back to Myanmar once we get their travel permits from that country," Mahanta said. "Most of them sneaked into India in search of a livelihood."

India's first deportation of seven Rohingya men to Myanmar in October sparked fears of further repatriations among those sheltering in its refugee camps, and concern that those returned faced the risk of abuse at the hands of Myanmar authorities.

There has been no word on the fate of the deported men.

The government estimates that 40,000 Rohingya live in India in camps across the country, including the capital, New Delhi, having arrived over the years after fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar, which denies them citizenship.

In August, a United Nations report accused the Myanmar military of committing mass killings and rapes on the Rohingya with "genocidal intent" in 2017 in an operation that drove more than 700,000 of them to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh.

Myanmar has denied the charges, saying its military launched a counter-insurgency operation after attacks on security posts by Muslim militants in August last year.

Indian police on Thursday took a Rohingya Muslim family of five to the border by bus, readying to deport them to neighbouring Myanmar as the second such group expelled in four months during a crackdown on illegal immigrants.

Indian police on Thursday took a Rohingya Muslim family of five to the border by bus, readying to deport them to neighbouring Myanmar as the second such group expelled in four months during a crackdown on illegal immigrants. The government regards the Rohingya as illegal and a security risk. It has ordered that tens of thousands of the community, who live in small settlements and slums, be identified and repatriated. The husband, wife and three children comprising the family set to be expelled on Thursday had been arrested and jailed in Assam in 2014 for entering India without valid documents, police said. "These five people are now at the border gate in the adjoining Manipur state and we are waiting for Myanmar officials to hand them over formally," Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, Assam`s additional director general of police, told Reuters. Jails in Assam held 20 more Myanmar nationals, all arrested for illegal entry, he added. But it was not immediately clear if all were Rohingya, a largely stateless Muslim minority in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. "We shall send them back to Myanmar once we get their travel permits from that country," Mahanta said. "Most of them sneaked into India in search of a livelihood." India's first deportation of seven Rohingya men to Myanmar in October sparked fears of further repatriations among those sheltering in its refugee camps, and concern that those returned faced the risk of abuse at the hands of Myanmar authorities. There has been no word on the fate of the deported men. The government estimates that 40,000 Rohingya live in India in camps across the country, including the capital, New Delhi, having arrived over the years after fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar, which denies them citizenship. In August, a United Nations report accused the Myanmar military of committing mass killings and rapes on the Rohingya with "genocidal intent" in 2017 in an operation that drove more than 700,000 of them to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh. Myanmar has denied the charges, saying its military launched a counter-insurgency operation after attacks on security posts by Muslim militants in August last year.

India to deport second Rohingya group to Myanmar on Thursday

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-mine-rescue-navy-ndrf-personnel-enter-shaft-to-ascertain-water-level-187381">Meghalaya mine rescue: Navy, NDRF personnel enter shaft to ascertain water level</a>

A team leader from the Indian Navy and NDRF personnel went inside a 370-foot-deep mine, where 15 miners are trapped, to ascertain the water level inside on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-renames-3-islands-of-andaman-and-nicobar-187382">PM Modi renames 3 islands of Andaman and Nicobar</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday announced renaming of three islands of Andaman and Nicobar on the occasion of 75th anniversary of Tricolour hoisting by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose here.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/polls-close-in-bangladesh-election-marred-by-violence-12-dead-187346">Bangladesh elections: Voting ends, 12 killed in poll-related violence</a>

At least 12 people were killed in election-day clashes in Bangladesh Sunday, after a bloody campaign overshadowed by a crackdown on the opposition by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is expected to win a historic but controversial fourth term.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-bill-will-ruin-families-will-launch-agitation-against-it-aimwplb-187352">Triple talaq bill will ruin families, will launch </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-bill-will-ruin-families-will-launch-agitation-against-it-aimwplb-187352">agitation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-bill-will-ruin-families-will-launch-agitation-against-it-aimwplb-187352"> against it: AIMWPLB</a>

The All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) Sunday termed the triple talaq bill as one which will "ruin" families if it is made into a law, and said it will launch an agitation against it.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tale-of-rohingya-repatriation-stuck-in-limbo-one-of-the-biggest-humanitarian-crises-of-south-asia-187353">Rohingya repatriation stuck in limbo: One of the biggest humanitarian crisis of South Asia</a>

Over a year ago, in August 2017, Myanmar witnessed a conflict that sparked international concern. Western Myanmar’s Rakhine state saw hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing their homes following an army crackdown.&nbsp;

Meghalaya mine rescue: Navy, NDRF personnel enter shaft to ascertain water level A team leader from the Indian Navy and NDRF personnel went inside a 370-foot-deep mine, where 15 miners are trapped, to ascertain the water level inside on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

Meghalaya mine rescue: Navy, NDRF personnel enter shaft to ascertain water level A team leader from the Indian Navy and NDRF personnel went inside a 370-foot-deep mine, where 15 miners are trapped, to ascertain the water level inside on Sunday afternoon, officials said. PM Modi renames 3 islands of Andaman and Nicobar Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday announced renaming of three islands of Andaman and Nicobar on the occasion of 75th anniversary of Tricolour hoisting by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose here. Bangladesh elections: Voting ends, 12 killed in poll-related violence At least 12 people were killed in election-day clashes in Bangladesh Sunday, after a bloody campaign overshadowed by a crackdown on the opposition by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is expected to win a historic but controversial fourth term. Triple talaq bill will ruin families, will launch agitation against it: AIMWPLB The All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) Sunday termed the triple talaq bill as one which will "ruin" families if it is made into a law, and said it will launch an agitation against it. Rohingya repatriation stuck in limbo: One of the biggest humanitarian crisis of South Asia Over a year ago, in August 2017, Myanmar witnessed a conflict that sparked international concern. Western Myanmar’s Rakhine state saw hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing their homes following an army crackdown.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India has begun its fourth tranche of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-sent-back-to-myanmar-camps-hungry-and-in-debt-182279">relief assistance to Rohingya refugees </a>sheltered in Bangladesh's Cox Bazar as part of "Operation Insaniyat" which began in September 2017.&nbsp;

The total aid in the fourth tranche would include 2,25,000 blankets, 2,00,000 woollen sweaters and 500 solar street lights. The new tranche is the result of a specific request made to the minister for disaster management and relief.&nbsp;

In a release, Indian High Commission to Bangladesh said:&nbsp;"As a special gesture, India is making available a part of the consignment of blankets and sweaters for distribution to vulnerable sections of the local community in Cox’s Bazar."

The material includes the latest consignment of assistance for displaced persons for the winter, while the solar street lights are meant to ensure environment-friendly lighting solutions for the camps.

The release by High Commission added that the aid "is part of India’s continuing partnership and support for Bangladesh especially in sharing the burden imposed upon it because of the influx of a large number of displaced persons from Rakhine State in Myanmar."&nbsp;

The distribution of aid began from Monday by the refugee, relief and repatriation commissioner of Bangladesh.

The first tranche under "Operation Insaniyat" in September last year&nbsp;comprised of 981 metric tonnes&nbsp;(MT) of relief supplies, including family packs of rice, pulses, sugar, salt, cooking oil, tea, ready-to-eat noodles, biscuits, mosquito nets among other relief services.&nbsp;

The second tranche was delivered in May 2018 with 373 MT&nbsp;of relief material. The consignment included 104 MT of milk powder, 102 MT of dried fish, 61 MT of baby food, 50,000 raincoats, and 50,000 pairs of gumboots.&nbsp;

The third consignment was provided in September 2018, where India handed over 1.1 million litres of SKO (super kerosene oil) and 20,000 kerosene multi-wick stoves.&nbsp;

India has been calling on Myanmar and Bangladesh to implement the Rohingya repatriation agreement.

Recently, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said:"Government of India has noted that governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar have recently reached a bilateral understanding and obviously as the only country that neighbours both Bangladesh and Myanmar, we believe it is in our interest and in the interest of the region that this bilateral understanding is implemented as soon as possible and that the displaced persons return to their homeland as soon as possible."

Late last year India had signed the Rakhine State Development Program with Myanmar. The program is designed to assist the government of Myanmar in Rakhine State to build housing infrastructure for the return of displaced persons.

India has begun its fourth tranche of relief assistance to Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh's Cox Bazar as part of "Operation Insaniyat" which began in September 2017.

India has begun its fourth tranche of relief assistance to Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh's Cox Bazar as part of "Operation Insaniyat" which began in September 2017. The total aid in the fourth tranche would include 2,25,000 blankets, 2,00,000 woollen sweaters and 500 solar street lights. The new tranche is the result of a specific request made to the minister for disaster management and relief. In a release, Indian High Commission to Bangladesh said: "As a special gesture, India is making available a part of the consignment of blankets and sweaters for distribution to vulnerable sections of the local community in Cox’s Bazar." The material includes the latest consignment of assistance for displaced persons for the winter, while the solar street lights are meant to ensure environment-friendly lighting solutions for the camps. The release by High Commission added that the aid "is part of India’s continuing partnership and support for Bangladesh especially in sharing the burden imposed upon it because of the influx of a large number of displaced persons from Rakhine State in Myanmar." The distribution of aid began from Monday by the refugee, relief and repatriation commissioner of Bangladesh. The first tranche under "Operation Insaniyat" in September last year comprised of 981 metric tonnes (MT) of relief supplies, including family packs of rice, pulses, sugar, salt, cooking oil, tea, ready-to-eat noodles, biscuits, mosquito nets among other relief services. The second tranche was delivered in May 2018 with 373 MT of relief material. The consignment included 104 MT of milk powder, 102 MT of dried fish, 61 MT of baby food, 50,000 raincoats, and 50,000 pairs of gumboots. The third consignment was provided in September 2018, where India handed over 1.1 million litres of SKO (super kerosene oil) and 20,000 kerosene multi-wick stoves. India has been calling on Myanmar and Bangladesh to implement the Rohingya repatriation agreement. Recently, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said:"Government of India has noted that governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar have recently reached a bilateral understanding and obviously as the only country that neighbours both Bangladesh and Myanmar, we believe it is in our interest and in the interest of the region that this bilateral understanding is implemented as soon as possible and that the displaced persons return to their homeland as soon as possible." Late last year India had signed the Rakhine State Development Program with Myanmar. The program is designed to assist the government of Myanmar in Rakhine State to build housing infrastructure for the return of displaced persons.

India sends another tranche of relief assistance to Rohingyas in Bangladesh

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-of-troops-deployed-in-bangladesh-ahead-of-general-elections-186092">Bangladesh will seal off refugee</a> camps housing about one million Rohingya Muslims for three days around the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-ec-allows-hardline-islamist-party-to-contest-upcoming-general-election-186045">country's tense general election</a> this week, officials said Monday.

Rohingya living in the southeastern border district of Cox's Bazar will not be allowed out of their settlements from Saturday.

The election is Sunday with<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-sheikh-hasina-on-top-in-battle-of-the-bangladesh-begums-186170"> Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina</a>, who earned international praise for accepting the refugees who fled a military crackdown in Myanmar, seeking a record fourth term.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-slams-us-statement-over-polls-observers-186042">The Election Commission</a> ordered authorities in Cox's Bazar to prevent refugees from being exploited during election campaigning, Bangladesh refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam said.

"This is a security measure. The embargo also applies to NGO workers. They cannot go inside the camps unless it is an emergency," he told AFP.

Police said extra roadblocks would be set up around the camps.

Over 720,000 Rohingya Muslims fled what the UN called ethnic cleansing in Myanmar's Rakhine state after August 2017. There were already nearly 300,000 refugees in the overcrowded camps.

More than 450 police will be deployed in the camps alongside border guards and community police, a spokesman said.

Thousands of troops were also put on law and order duties across the country Monday amid escalating poll violence, said a military statement.

Media reports said some 30,000 soldiers were joining more than 20,000 paramilitary forces already deployed.

At least six people have been killed in the election violence while the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) says at least 152 of its candidates have been attacked.

The BNP meanwhile criticised Bangladesh star cricketer Mashrafe Mortaza for being a candidate for the ruling Awami League.

One-day international captain Mashrafe is now campaigning after leading Bangladesh to a series win over West Indies this month. The BNP said though that Mashrafte could not be a candidate when he earns public money as a cricketer. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"We welcome youngsters like him joining politics. But the law cannot be different for a superstar and a layman," &nbsp;opposition spokesman Rizvi Ahmed told AFP. &nbsp;

"Mashrafe is a paid cricketer of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), a government body. So we protest him taking part in an election when we see our people are getting dropped for lame excuses," he said.

Bangladesh law bars salaried public employees from contesting elections. Several opposition candidates have been disqualified because they have government jobs.&nbsp;

Mashrafe receives taka 420,000 ($5,000) a month from the board.

Bangladesh will seal off refugee camps housing about one million Rohingya Muslims for three days around the country's tense general election this week, officials said Monday.

Bangladesh will seal off refugee camps housing about one million Rohingya Muslims for three days around the country's tense general election this week, officials said Monday. Rohingya living in the southeastern border district of Cox's Bazar will not be allowed out of their settlements from Saturday. The election is Sunday with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who earned international praise for accepting the refugees who fled a military crackdown in Myanmar, seeking a record fourth term. The Election Commission ordered authorities in Cox's Bazar to prevent refugees from being exploited during election campaigning, Bangladesh refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam said. "This is a security measure. The embargo also applies to NGO workers. They cannot go inside the camps unless it is an emergency," he told AFP. Police said extra roadblocks would be set up around the camps. Over 720,000 Rohingya Muslims fled what the UN called ethnic cleansing in Myanmar's Rakhine state after August 2017. There were already nearly 300,000 refugees in the overcrowded camps. More than 450 police will be deployed in the camps alongside border guards and community police, a spokesman said. Thousands of troops were also put on law and order duties across the country Monday amid escalating poll violence, said a military statement. Media reports said some 30,000 soldiers were joining more than 20,000 paramilitary forces already deployed. At least six people have been killed in the election violence while the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) says at least 152 of its candidates have been attacked. The BNP meanwhile criticised Bangladesh star cricketer Mashrafe Mortaza for being a candidate for the ruling Awami League. One-day international captain Mashrafe is now campaigning after leading Bangladesh to a series win over West Indies this month. The BNP said though that Mashrafte could not be a candidate when he earns public money as a cricketer. "We welcome youngsters like him joining politics. But the law cannot be different for a superstar and a layman," opposition spokesman Rizvi Ahmed told AFP. "Mashrafe is a paid cricketer of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), a government body. So we protest him taking part in an election when we see our people are getting dropped for lame excuses," he said. Bangladesh law bars salaried public employees from contesting elections. Several opposition candidates have been disqualified because they have government jobs. Mashrafe receives taka 420,000 ($5,000) a month from the board.

Bangladesh polls: Rohingya camps to be sealed off during election

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-policeman-found-killed-in-northern-rakhine-state-185930">A Myanmar</a> court heard arguments on Monday&nbsp;in the appeal of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/reuters-reporters-imprisonment-when-myanmars-progress-towards-democracy-was-put-to-question-185665">two Reuters reporters sentenced</a> to seven years in jail on charges of breaking the Official Secrets Act.

Lawyers lodged an appeal on Monday to free two Reuters journalists jailed for their reporting on Myanmar's Rohingya crisis, decrying the sentence as a "mistake" that has already resulted in the pair being locked up for a year.

Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were arrested in December 2017 and later sent to prison for what prosecutors said was a breach of official secrets law for the possession of classified material on security operations.

Reuters disputed the charge and said the two were set up by police after probing the massacre of 10 Rohingya Muslims during a military crackdown.

Lawyers for the reporters filed an appeal against the conviction in early November, citing evidence of a police set-up and lack of proof of a crime.

Lawyers for the reporters and the prosecution presented arguments for more than an hour on Monday before the hearing was adjourned. The court did not give a date for a decision.

Appeal lawyer L. Khun Ring Pan, asked the judge, Aung Naing, to overturn the lower court's decision and release the reporters.

Their conviction in September sparked widespread global condemnation, including from US Vice President Mike Pence, who asked civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi to intervene.

"This seven-year jail sentence is a mistake," the journalists' lawyer L.Khun Ring Pan told the bench, in a hearing attended by embassy officials and free media advocates as well as the wives of the jailed journalists.

"They were trying to find out who was involved with the (Inn Din) case. That's why they tried to meet the police... they did not ask for anything secret."

Before their arrest, the reporters had been working on a Reuters investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys by security forces and Buddhist civilians in western Myanmar's Rakhine State during an army crackdown that began in August last year.

The operation sent more than 730,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh, according to UN estimates.

A Myanmar court heard arguments on Monday in the appeal of two Reuters reporters sentenced to seven years in jail on charges of breaking the Official Secrets Act.

A Myanmar court heard arguments on Monday in the appeal of two Reuters reporters sentenced to seven years in jail on charges of breaking the Official Secrets Act. Lawyers lodged an appeal on Monday to free two Reuters journalists jailed for their reporting on Myanmar's Rohingya crisis, decrying the sentence as a "mistake" that has already resulted in the pair being locked up for a year. Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were arrested in December 2017 and later sent to prison for what prosecutors said was a breach of official secrets law for the possession of classified material on security operations. Reuters disputed the charge and said the two were set up by police after probing the massacre of 10 Rohingya Muslims during a military crackdown. Lawyers for the reporters filed an appeal against the conviction in early November, citing evidence of a police set-up and lack of proof of a crime. Lawyers for the reporters and the prosecution presented arguments for more than an hour on Monday before the hearing was adjourned. The court did not give a date for a decision. Appeal lawyer L. Khun Ring Pan, asked the judge, Aung Naing, to overturn the lower court's decision and release the reporters. Their conviction in September sparked widespread global condemnation, including from US Vice President Mike Pence, who asked civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi to intervene. "This seven-year jail sentence is a mistake," the journalists' lawyer L.Khun Ring Pan told the bench, in a hearing attended by embassy officials and free media advocates as well as the wives of the jailed journalists. "They were trying to find out who was involved with the (Inn Din) case. That's why they tried to meet the police... they did not ask for anything secret." Before their arrest, the reporters had been working on a Reuters investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys by security forces and Buddhist civilians in western Myanmar's Rakhine State during an army crackdown that began in August last year. The operation sent more than 730,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh, according to UN estimates.

Myanmar court hears arguments of jailed Reuters reporters

The bullet-riddled body of a Myanmar policeman was found in northern Rakhine state, government media said Sunday, as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/reuters-reporters-imprisonment-when-myanmars-progress-towards-democracy-was-put-to-question-185665">tensions rise </a>in the hotspot where the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-army-pauses-operations-in-north-in-rare-conciliatory-action-185678">Rohingya crisis </a>erupted last year.

The western territory is a tinderbox of ethnic and religious divisions and security forces have clashed with both Rohingya insurgents and much better armed Rakhine fighters from the mostly Buddhist Arakan Army.

Private Aung Kyaw Thet went missing in action after an<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-house-of-representatives-describes-crime-against-rohingya-in-myanmar-as-genocide-183895"> ambush last week</a> by unknown assailants in Maungdaw township near the border with Bangladesh.

His body was found two days ago with "gunshot wounds in his face, arm and leg near a hill inside the other country," according to government-backed Global New Light of Myanmar.

The ambush happened the same day that two ethnic Rakhine Buddhist men disappeared while fishing in the same township and were later found with their throats slit, prompting the army to launch local "clearance operations" and raising fears of renewed large-scale violence.

Sunday's report in Global New Light did not identify the alleged perpetrators of the shooting but said authorities found foxholes near the scene, bullet casings and biscuits manufactured in Bangladesh.

More than 720,000 Rohingya fled northern Rakhine to Bangladesh after Myanmar launched a crackdown on the Muslim minority in August 2017.

UN investigators want senior Myanmar generals to be prosecuted for genocide but the army says it was responding to attacks on border guard posts by Rohingya insurgents that killed around a dozen security forces.

The army this week called a rare ceasefire against ethnic armed groups in the northeast of the country but Rakhine state was not included.

Analysts say the military left Rakhine out because it does not want the Arakan Army to gain a foothold in the state as well as lingering concern over the less powerful Rohingya militants, who call themselves the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army.

The bullet-riddled body of a Myanmar policeman was found in northern Rakhine state, government media said Sunday, as tensions rise in the hotspot where the Rohingya crisis erupted last year.

The bullet-riddled body of a Myanmar policeman was found in northern Rakhine state, government media said Sunday, as tensions rise in the hotspot where the Rohingya crisis erupted last year. The western territory is a tinderbox of ethnic and religious divisions and security forces have clashed with both Rohingya insurgents and much better armed Rakhine fighters from the mostly Buddhist Arakan Army. Private Aung Kyaw Thet went missing in action after an ambush last week by unknown assailants in Maungdaw township near the border with Bangladesh. His body was found two days ago with "gunshot wounds in his face, arm and leg near a hill inside the other country," according to government-backed Global New Light of Myanmar. The ambush happened the same day that two ethnic Rakhine Buddhist men disappeared while fishing in the same township and were later found with their throats slit, prompting the army to launch local "clearance operations" and raising fears of renewed large-scale violence. Sunday's report in Global New Light did not identify the alleged perpetrators of the shooting but said authorities found foxholes near the scene, bullet casings and biscuits manufactured in Bangladesh. More than 720,000 Rohingya fled northern Rakhine to Bangladesh after Myanmar launched a crackdown on the Muslim minority in August 2017. UN investigators want senior Myanmar generals to be prosecuted for genocide but the army says it was responding to attacks on border guard posts by Rohingya insurgents that killed around a dozen security forces. The army this week called a rare ceasefire against ethnic armed groups in the northeast of the country but Rakhine state was not included. Analysts say the military left Rakhine out because it does not want the Arakan Army to gain a foothold in the state as well as lingering concern over the less powerful Rohingya militants, who call themselves the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army.

Myanmar: Missing policeman found killed in northern Rakhine state

A bipartisan group of US&nbsp;senators on Wednesday called on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to designate the Myanmar military's campaign against the Rohingya Muslim minority a genocide.&nbsp;

More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar's Rakhine state for neighbouring Bangladesh since August last year, when attacks on security posts by Rohingya insurgents triggered a military crackdown that the United Nations, the United States, Britain and others described as ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar denies the accusations of ethnic cleansing.

"We are deeply concerned that despite clear evidence of genocide amassed by the Department`s own report ... that the Department has not made a formal determination that the crime of genocide has been committed," said a letter to Pompeo from the senators, a copy of which was seen by Reuters.&nbsp;

In September, leaders of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee called on the Trump administration to declare the military campaign a genocide, days after a State Department report stopped short of that description.

A declaration of genocide by the US&nbsp;government could have legal implications of committing Washington to stronger punitive measures against Myanmar's government, which is led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. This has made some in the Trump administration wary of issuing such an assessment.

The areas where the Rohingya lived in Myanmar's western Rakhine State before the army ousted them were being dramatically transformed, making their return increasingly unlikely, Reuters reported on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The senators asked Pompeo to provide a formal determination about the actions of Myanmar`s military.&nbsp;

"There is no question that the violence in northern Rakhine State – intended to terrorise, drive out, and exterminate Rakhine`s Rohingya population – meets the definition of genocide," the letter said.

Led by Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the letter was also signed by Republican Senators Marco Rubio and Susan Collins and

Democratic Senators Ed Markey, Tim Kaine, Ben Cardin and Jeff Merkley.

Failing to officially label the actions a genocide would "deny truth-telling and accountability" for the Rohingya and "... would leave an indelible stain on our nation`s legacy of promoting and advancing human rights, dignity, and accountability," the letter said.

The United Nations Security Council is mulling a resolution that the council could consider further steps, including sanctions, if there was not enough progress made by Myanmar in returning refugees, diplomats said. &nbsp;

A bipartisan group of US senators on Wednesday called on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to designate the Myanmar military's campaign against the Rohingya Muslim minority a genocide.

A bipartisan group of US senators on Wednesday called on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to designate the Myanmar military's campaign against the Rohingya Muslim minority a genocide. More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar's Rakhine state for neighbouring Bangladesh since August last year, when attacks on security posts by Rohingya insurgents triggered a military crackdown that the United Nations, the United States, Britain and others described as ethnic cleansing. Myanmar denies the accusations of ethnic cleansing. "We are deeply concerned that despite clear evidence of genocide amassed by the Department`s own report ... that the Department has not made a formal determination that the crime of genocide has been committed," said a letter to Pompeo from the senators, a copy of which was seen by Reuters. In September, leaders of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee called on the Trump administration to declare the military campaign a genocide, days after a State Department report stopped short of that description. A declaration of genocide by the US government could have legal implications of committing Washington to stronger punitive measures against Myanmar's government, which is led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. This has made some in the Trump administration wary of issuing such an assessment. The areas where the Rohingya lived in Myanmar's western Rakhine State before the army ousted them were being dramatically transformed, making their return increasingly unlikely, Reuters reported on Tuesday. The senators asked Pompeo to provide a formal determination about the actions of Myanmar`s military. "There is no question that the violence in northern Rakhine State – intended to terrorise, drive out, and exterminate Rakhine`s Rohingya population – meets the definition of genocide," the letter said. Led by Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the letter was also signed by Republican Senators Marco Rubio and Susan Collins and Democratic Senators Ed Markey, Tim Kaine, Ben Cardin and Jeff Merkley. Failing to officially label the actions a genocide would "deny truth-telling and accountability" for the Rohingya and "... would leave an indelible stain on our nation`s legacy of promoting and advancing human rights, dignity, and accountability," the letter said. The United Nations Security Council is mulling a resolution that the council could consider further steps, including sanctions, if there was not enough progress made by Myanmar in returning refugees, diplomats said.

US senators call on Pompeo to label Myanmar killings 'genocide'

Facebook has removed hundreds of pages and accounts in Myanmar with hidden links to the military, the platform said Wednesday, as the company scrambles to respond to criticism over failures to control hate speech and misinformation.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-discovers-bug-that-may-have-affected-up-to-68-million-users-184116">social media giant</a> -- Myanmar's most popular and influential site -- has been lambasted for years for its ineffective response to malicious posts, particularly against the country's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-accuses-myanmar-military-planned-and-coordinated-rohingya-atrocities-167495">Rohingya Muslims</a>.

The problem reached new levels of urgency last year as Myanmar's military drove more than 720,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh, while dehumanising material about the stateless group spread on the site.

Facebook said Wednesday some 425 pages, 17 groups, 135 accounts and 15 Instagram accounts had been removed, which were posing as independent news, entertainment, beauty and lifestyle pages but in reality had links to the military or to pages previously removed.

This is Facebook's third sweeping takedown of pages and accounts for what it calls " coordinated inauthentic behaviour" in Myanmar following deletions in October and August.

Hardline nationalist monks and even the army's top generals, accused by UN investigators of genocide, are among the users Facebook blacklisted this year.

Facebook said in a newsroom post that it does not want people or organisations "creating networks of accounts to mislead others about who they are, or what they're doing," adding that one page had 2.5 million followers.

Some of the deleted pages were called "Down for Anything", "Let's Laugh Casually", and "We Love Myanmar".

Facebook has been trying to repair its battered reputation, improving the speed with which hate speech is taken down and vowing to beef up its Myanmar-language reviewers on staff to 100 by the end of 2018.

But critics say this is not enough to oversee some 20 million Facebook accounts in the country, many in a patchwork of regional languages.

An independent report commissioned by Facebook concluded last month that the state was ultimately responsible for rights abuses, but the company should have done more to prevent the platform from being used to foment division and incite offline violence.

It also warned that Myanmar's 2020 election will likely be a flashpoint for abuse and misinformation.

Most people in Myanmar only came online in the last few years, when smartphone usage soared as the country opened up to the outside world after decades of isolated military rule.

Civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's government -- which is in an uneasy power-sharing agreement with the military -- has come under fire for not doing more to stand up for the Rohingya.

Facebook has removed hundreds of pages and accounts in Myanmar with hidden links to the military, the platform said Wednesday, as the company scrambles to respond to criticism over failures to control hate speech and misinformation.

Facebook has removed hundreds of pages and accounts in Myanmar with hidden links to the military, the platform said Wednesday, as the company scrambles to respond to criticism over failures to control hate speech and misinformation. The social media giant -- Myanmar's most popular and influential site -- has been lambasted for years for its ineffective response to malicious posts, particularly against the country's Rohingya Muslims. The problem reached new levels of urgency last year as Myanmar's military drove more than 720,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh, while dehumanising material about the stateless group spread on the site. Facebook said Wednesday some 425 pages, 17 groups, 135 accounts and 15 Instagram accounts had been removed, which were posing as independent news, entertainment, beauty and lifestyle pages but in reality had links to the military or to pages previously removed. This is Facebook's third sweeping takedown of pages and accounts for what it calls " coordinated inauthentic behaviour" in Myanmar following deletions in October and August. Hardline nationalist monks and even the army's top generals, accused by UN investigators of genocide, are among the users Facebook blacklisted this year. Facebook said in a newsroom post that it does not want people or organisations "creating networks of accounts to mislead others about who they are, or what they're doing," adding that one page had 2.5 million followers. Some of the deleted pages were called "Down for Anything", "Let's Laugh Casually", and "We Love Myanmar". Facebook has been trying to repair its battered reputation, improving the speed with which hate speech is taken down and vowing to beef up its Myanmar-language reviewers on staff to 100 by the end of 2018. But critics say this is not enough to oversee some 20 million Facebook accounts in the country, many in a patchwork of regional languages. An independent report commissioned by Facebook concluded last month that the state was ultimately responsible for rights abuses, but the company should have done more to prevent the platform from being used to foment division and incite offline violence. It also warned that Myanmar's 2020 election will likely be a flashpoint for abuse and misinformation. Most people in Myanmar only came online in the last few years, when smartphone usage soared as the country opened up to the outside world after decades of isolated military rule. Civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's government -- which is in an uneasy power-sharing agreement with the military -- has come under fire for not doing more to stand up for the Rohingya.

Facebook removes hundreds of Myanmar military-linked pages from platform

The UN Security Council is considering action to push <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-government-rejects-un-probe-on-rohingya-mass-killings--162208">Myanmar to work with the United Nations</a> to address the Rohingya refugee crisis, although China and Russia have so far boycotted talks on a British-drafted resolution, diplomats said on Monday.

The draft resolution aims to put a timeline on Myanmar allowing the return of more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees from neighbouring Bangladesh and addressing accountability, said diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Rohingya have fled Myanmar's Rakhine state since August last year when attacks on security posts by Rohingya insurgents triggered a military crackdown that the United Nations, the United States, Britain and others described as ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar denies the accusations of ethnic cleansing.

The draft resolution would warn that the 15-member Security Council could consider further steps, including sanctions, if there was not enough progress made by Myanmar, diplomats said. It would also ask UN officials to report back regularly to the council.

It was unclear if or when the draft resolution could be put to a vote. A resolution needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes by Russia, China, the United States, Britain or France to pass.

"I think it's inappropriate, untimely and useless," Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told Reuters on Monday.

China's UN Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu declined to comment. Myanmar's UN Ambassador Hau Do Suan did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The draft was circulated to council members late last month and diplomats said that there had been several rounds of discussions. Russia and China attended an initial meeting, but have not taken part in any further talks, diplomats said.

The text would push Myanmar to implement a memorandum of understanding with the UN development and refugee agencies that Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's government signed in June, as well recommendations made by the Rakhine Advisory Commission that was led by former UN chief Kofi Annan.

The draft resolution does not include referral of the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court, diplomats said.

UN Security Council envoys travelled to Bangladesh and Myanmar in late April.

In October, China, backed by Russia, failed to stop a Security Council briefing by the chair of a U.N. inquiry that accused Myanmar's military of genocide against Rohingya Muslims.

Myanmar has rejected the findings of the UN report.

The UN Security Council is considering action to push Myanmar to work with the United Nations to address the Rohingya refugee crisis, although China and Russia have so far boycotted talks on a British-drafted resolution, diplomats said on Monday.

The UN Security Council is considering action to push Myanmar to work with the United Nations to address the Rohingya refugee crisis, although China and Russia have so far boycotted talks on a British-drafted resolution, diplomats said on Monday. The draft resolution aims to put a timeline on Myanmar allowing the return of more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees from neighbouring Bangladesh and addressing accountability, said diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity. The Rohingya have fled Myanmar's Rakhine state since August last year when attacks on security posts by Rohingya insurgents triggered a military crackdown that the United Nations, the United States, Britain and others described as ethnic cleansing. Myanmar denies the accusations of ethnic cleansing. The draft resolution would warn that the 15-member Security Council could consider further steps, including sanctions, if there was not enough progress made by Myanmar, diplomats said. It would also ask UN officials to report back regularly to the council. It was unclear if or when the draft resolution could be put to a vote. A resolution needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes by Russia, China, the United States, Britain or France to pass. "I think it's inappropriate, untimely and useless," Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told Reuters on Monday. China's UN Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu declined to comment. Myanmar's UN Ambassador Hau Do Suan did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The draft was circulated to council members late last month and diplomats said that there had been several rounds of discussions. Russia and China attended an initial meeting, but have not taken part in any further talks, diplomats said. The text would push Myanmar to implement a memorandum of understanding with the UN development and refugee agencies that Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's government signed in June, as well recommendations made by the Rakhine Advisory Commission that was led by former UN chief Kofi Annan. The draft resolution does not include referral of the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court, diplomats said. UN Security Council envoys travelled to Bangladesh and Myanmar in late April. In October, China, backed by Russia, failed to stop a Security Council briefing by the chair of a U.N. inquiry that accused Myanmar's military of genocide against Rohingya Muslims. Myanmar has rejected the findings of the UN report.

UN Security Council mulls Myanmar action; Russia, China boycott talks

Myanmar's president said Saturday it had been an "auspicious" year for Rakhine state, the violence-scarred territory and epicentre of the Rohingya crisis.

More than 720,000 Rohingya have fled the western state since August 2017 after the military conducted "clearance operations," sending a stream of refugees to neighbouring Bangladesh with accounts of rape, arson and mass killings -- acts that UN investigators say amounts to "genocide" by the military generals.&nbsp;

Another 120,000 of the stateless minority, who are largely reviled by ethnic Rakhine and have garnered little sympathy among the Myanmar public, have been forced to live in displacement camps in the region with bleak conditions and a dire lack of food.

But Myanmar President Win Myint painted a different reality in a statement Saturday when he congratulated the "ethnic brothers and sisters" on the 44th anniversary of the Rakhine State Day.

With no natural disasters, "we can say that 2018 has been an auspicious year", he wrote in Myanmar's state-run newspaper.&nbsp;

Rakhine, one of the poorest states in the country, is also the site of planned economic zones, he said, and the government is working to provide "24 hour electricity" to certain townships.

He also praised a pact signed between Myanmar and Bangladesh to repatriate the Rohingya refugees and the arrangements made to receive "those displaced people who have gone over to the Bangladesh side".&nbsp;

The process which was repeatedly delayed was supposed to finally commence last month but it fell flat when not a single Rohingya took up the offer of repatriation, with many on the returnee list going into hiding.

The refugees fear returning home without guarantees of protection, citizenship or rights from the government and the powerful military. Rights groups have criticised repatriation as premature and "reckless". &nbsp;

As for those within the camps in Rakhine state, many have attempted to leave by boats to Malaysia and Indonesia since the monsoon season ended last month, enduring a perilous journey to escape what rights groups call "open-air prisons".

"I wish to urge all Rakhine ethnic nationals and citizens to participate... (in the) &nbsp;transformation of Rakhine State into a beautiful and happy state," Win Myint said at the end of his statement.&nbsp;

Win Myint was appointed to his position by Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has faced international condemnation for her handling of the Rohingya crisis.

Myanmar's president said Saturday it had been an "auspicious" year for Rakhine state, the violence-scarred territory and epicentre of the Rohingya crisis. More than 720,000 Rohingya have fled the western state since August 2017 after the military conducted "clearance operations," sending a stream of refugees to neighbouring Bangladesh with accounts of rape, arson and mass killings -- acts that UN investigators say amounts to "genocide" by the military generals.

Myanmar's president said Saturday it had been an "auspicious" year for Rakhine state, the violence-scarred territory and epicentre of the Rohingya crisis. More than 720,000 Rohingya have fled the western state since August 2017 after the military conducted "clearance operations," sending a stream of refugees to neighbouring Bangladesh with accounts of rape, arson and mass killings -- acts that UN investigators say amounts to "genocide" by the military generals. Another 120,000 of the stateless minority, who are largely reviled by ethnic Rakhine and have garnered little sympathy among the Myanmar public, have been forced to live in displacement camps in the region with bleak conditions and a dire lack of food. But Myanmar President Win Myint painted a different reality in a statement Saturday when he congratulated the "ethnic brothers and sisters" on the 44th anniversary of the Rakhine State Day. With no natural disasters, "we can say that 2018 has been an auspicious year", he wrote in Myanmar's state-run newspaper. Rakhine, one of the poorest states in the country, is also the site of planned economic zones, he said, and the government is working to provide "24 hour electricity" to certain townships. He also praised a pact signed between Myanmar and Bangladesh to repatriate the Rohingya refugees and the arrangements made to receive "those displaced people who have gone over to the Bangladesh side". The process which was repeatedly delayed was supposed to finally commence last month but it fell flat when not a single Rohingya took up the offer of repatriation, with many on the returnee list going into hiding. The refugees fear returning home without guarantees of protection, citizenship or rights from the government and the powerful military. Rights groups have criticised repatriation as premature and "reckless". As for those within the camps in Rakhine state, many have attempted to leave by boats to Malaysia and Indonesia since the monsoon season ended last month, enduring a perilous journey to escape what rights groups call "open-air prisons". "I wish to urge all Rakhine ethnic nationals and citizens to participate... (in the) transformation of Rakhine State into a beautiful and happy state," Win Myint said at the end of his statement. Win Myint was appointed to his position by Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has faced international condemnation for her handling of the Rohingya crisis.

Myanmar's president praises Rakhine state for 'auspicious' year on 44th anniversary

President Ram Nath Kovind will be on a three-day visit to Myanmar from 11th to 13th December. This will be the first visit to Myanmar by an Indian President in 12 years. The last visit was in the year 2006.

This is President Kovind’s eighth state visit and seventh and final visit of the year 2018. This is also his first visit to a country with which India shares a land border.&nbsp;

Putting the visit in perspective Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "Myanmar is a close neighbour. It is also, by virtue of being an ASEAN country, the only one to which we are linked by land and sea. Therefore, it serves us as a link to South East Asia and for these reasons it is a country to which India attaches importance from the strategic perspective, from an economic perspective and from the cultural perspective given our cultural linkages and diaspora present in Myanmar."

During the visit, the President and the first lady will be hosted by the President of Myanmar. During his trip, the President Kovind will visit Shwedagon Pagoda, Shri Kali Temple and the Mazaar of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. The President will also meet veterans of the Indian National Army and the surviving members of the INA.

Giving more details of the visit, Press Secretary to the President, Ashok Malik said, "It is the second visit after the Vietnam visit. President Kovind will be engaging with the Government and Leadership of Myanmar on a wide variety of issues ranging from connectivity to investment, people to people ties and agriculture."

The President will be accompanied by a three-member political delegation comprising Rajan Gohil, Minister of State for Railways; Ramprasad Sharma, Lok Sabha member from Tezpur, Assam, and K Bhavnanda Singh who is a Rajya Sabha member from Manipur. The delegation comprises parliamentarians from North East states and according to the press secretary is a "recognition of the fact that the development of the North East is interlinked with the development of Myanmar."

The visit comes even as the Rohingya issue continues to dominate the region's discourse. Hoping that Myanmar Bangladesh will soon implement the Rohingya repatriation agreement, Foreign Secretary said, "The government of India has noted that governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar have recently reached a bilateral understanding and, as the only country that neighbours both Bangladesh and Myanmar, we believe it is in our interest and in the interest of the region that this bilateral understanding is implemented as soon as possible and that the displaced persons return to their homeland as soon as possible."

Late last year, India signed the Rakhine State Development Program with Myanmar. The program is designed to assist the Government of Myanmar in Rakhine state to build housing infrastructure for the return of displaced persons. 250 units were planned for the first phase and by virtual means, the President of India will be handing over the first 50 units to the Myanmar side.&nbsp;

India won't join Chinese post at Kyaukphyu

Connectivity will be a major focus area. Remember, India is building a trilateral highway, which will eventually connect India to Thailand through Myanmar, and Kaladan Multimodal Project that will connect Kolkatta with Sittwe port in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. India is now in the process of floating tenders to appoint a permanent port operator from Myanmar for the port. Efforts are also underway to connect Sittwe port by road to the Myanmar-Mizoram border.

Replying to whether India will be keen to link Kaladan project with Chinese port being built at Kyaukphyu, the Foreign Secretary said, "there is no plan to connect Kyaukphyu port to any of our projects as of now."

Last month, it was announced that China will be developing the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port in Myanmar. The port is near Sittwe port and the development comes even as China develops ports in other South Asian countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

President Ram Nath Kovind will be on a three-day visit to Myanmar from 11th to 13th December. This will be the first visit to Myanmar by an Indian President in 12 years.

President Ram Nath Kovind will be on a three-day visit to Myanmar from 11th to 13th December. This will be the first visit to Myanmar by an Indian President in 12 years. The last visit was in the year 2006. This is President Kovind’s eighth state visit and seventh and final visit of the year 2018. This is also his first visit to a country with which India shares a land border. Putting the visit in perspective Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "Myanmar is a close neighbour. It is also, by virtue of being an ASEAN country, the only one to which we are linked by land and sea. Therefore, it serves us as a link to South East Asia and for these reasons it is a country to which India attaches importance from the strategic perspective, from an economic perspective and from the cultural perspective given our cultural linkages and diaspora present in Myanmar." During the visit, the President and the first lady will be hosted by the President of Myanmar. During his trip, the President Kovind will visit Shwedagon Pagoda, Shri Kali Temple and the Mazaar of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. The President will also meet veterans of the Indian National Army and the surviving members of the INA. Giving more details of the visit, Press Secretary to the President, Ashok Malik said, "It is the second visit after the Vietnam visit. President Kovind will be engaging with the Government and Leadership of Myanmar on a wide variety of issues ranging from connectivity to investment, people to people ties and agriculture." The President will be accompanied by a three-member political delegation comprising Rajan Gohil, Minister of State for Railways; Ramprasad Sharma, Lok Sabha member from Tezpur, Assam, and K Bhavnanda Singh who is a Rajya Sabha member from Manipur. The delegation comprises parliamentarians from North East states and according to the press secretary is a "recognition of the fact that the development of the North East is interlinked with the development of Myanmar." The visit comes even as the Rohingya issue continues to dominate the region's discourse. Hoping that Myanmar Bangladesh will soon implement the Rohingya repatriation agreement, Foreign Secretary said, "The government of India has noted that governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar have recently reached a bilateral understanding and, as the only country that neighbours both Bangladesh and Myanmar, we believe it is in our interest and in the interest of the region that this bilateral understanding is implemented as soon as possible and that the displaced persons return to their homeland as soon as possible." Late last year, India signed the Rakhine State Development Program with Myanmar. The program is designed to assist the Government of Myanmar in Rakhine state to build housing infrastructure for the return of displaced persons. 250 units were planned for the first phase and by virtual means, the President of India will be handing over the first 50 units to the Myanmar side. India won't join Chinese post at Kyaukphyu Connectivity will be a major focus area. Remember, India is building a trilateral highway, which will eventually connect India to Thailand through Myanmar, and Kaladan Multimodal Project that will connect Kolkatta with Sittwe port in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. India is now in the process of floating tenders to appoint a permanent port operator from Myanmar for the port. Efforts are also underway to connect Sittwe port by road to the Myanmar-Mizoram border. Replying to whether India will be keen to link Kaladan project with Chinese port being built at Kyaukphyu, the Foreign Secretary said, "there is no plan to connect Kyaukphyu port to any of our projects as of now." Last month, it was announced that China will be developing the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port in Myanmar. The port is near Sittwe port and the development comes even as China develops ports in other South Asian countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

India hopes Myanmar, Bangladesh implement Rohingya repatriation agreement: Foreign Secretary

Fleeing Rohingya Muslims sold ration books to help pay hundreds of dollars to traffickers in order to flee squalid Myanmar camps by boat, only to be stopped at sea and forced back destitute, the refugees told AFP on Friday.

Images of hungry and thirsty refugees huddled on boats have stirred memories of a 2015 crisis, when thousands of fleeing Rohingya were stuck at sea as a trafficking trail south collapsed.

Some 120,000 of the stateless Muslim minority have languished in camps in central Rakhine for six years since a bloody bout of intercommunal violence with ethnic Rakhine Buddhists.

The end of the monsoon brings more favourable, if still treacherous, sailing conditions for those desperate to escape the camps that are branded as "open-air prisons" by rights groups and where the refugees have little access to work, education or healthcare.

One Rohingya boat this week made it to Aceh on the northern tip of the Indonesian island of Sumatra but several others have been picked up in Myanmar waters and those on board sent back to the camps.

Journalists are not allowed to enter the camps except on brief government-chaperoned tours, but one young Rohingya in Thechaung camp told AFP by phone how he had sold his food ration book to help pay the 600,000 kyat ($385) fee to traffickers.

He had hoped to reach Malaysia, but after 15 days at sea his boat was seized south of Yangon and authorities sent him and his fellow detainees back to the camps.

"I need to get my ration book back," he said.&nbsp;

"I can only earn 1000 kyat per day on a fishing boat, which isn't enough to eat."

AFP has withheld his identity to protect him.

UN refugee agency spokeswoman Aoife McDonnell said many of the Rohingya had sold or lost all their possessions, including their shelters, to pay people smugglers.

They are in "acute need of support" now they are back in the camps, she said.

'No future here'

A leader in nearby Dapaing camp confirmed that some escapees had paid up to $700 for their places on the flimsy fishing boats, often in the hope of reaching Malaysia or Indonesia.

So far five boatloads are known to have set off from central Rakhine, including the group of 20 men who made it to Aceh.

The four other boats were picked up in Myanmar waters between November 16 and 29 and carried between them a further 356 people, who have since been sent back to the camps.

There have also been rumours of sightings of several other vessels.

But fears that the number could escalate to 2015 levels are for now overstated, said Chris Lewa from the Arakan Project.

The circumstances are "completely different" now, she said, pointing out that the boats are much smaller and the Bangladeshi authorities have also managed to prevent any mass departures from the camps there.

Rakhine State police chief Colonel Kyi Linn told AFP that six traffickers so far have been detained.

"These places are big and we can't control everywhere," he added.

The young Rohingya from Thechaung camp told AFP he was already thinking about how to escape again.&nbsp;

"What is my future here?" he asked. "If I get another chance to go to Malaysia, I will take it."&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Fleeing Rohingya Muslims sold ration books to help pay hundreds of dollars to traffickers in order to flee squalid Myanmar camps by boat, only to be stopped at sea and forced back destitute, the refugees told AFP on Friday.

Fleeing Rohingya Muslims sold ration books to help pay hundreds of dollars to traffickers in order to flee squalid Myanmar camps by boat, only to be stopped at sea and forced back destitute, the refugees told AFP on Friday. Images of hungry and thirsty refugees huddled on boats have stirred memories of a 2015 crisis, when thousands of fleeing Rohingya were stuck at sea as a trafficking trail south collapsed. Some 120,000 of the stateless Muslim minority have languished in camps in central Rakhine for six years since a bloody bout of intercommunal violence with ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. The end of the monsoon brings more favourable, if still treacherous, sailing conditions for those desperate to escape the camps that are branded as "open-air prisons" by rights groups and where the refugees have little access to work, education or healthcare. One Rohingya boat this week made it to Aceh on the northern tip of the Indonesian island of Sumatra but several others have been picked up in Myanmar waters and those on board sent back to the camps. Journalists are not allowed to enter the camps except on brief government-chaperoned tours, but one young Rohingya in Thechaung camp told AFP by phone how he had sold his food ration book to help pay the 600,000 kyat ($385) fee to traffickers. He had hoped to reach Malaysia, but after 15 days at sea his boat was seized south of Yangon and authorities sent him and his fellow detainees back to the camps. "I need to get my ration book back," he said. "I can only earn 1000 kyat per day on a fishing boat, which isn't enough to eat." AFP has withheld his identity to protect him. UN refugee agency spokeswoman Aoife McDonnell said many of the Rohingya had sold or lost all their possessions, including their shelters, to pay people smugglers. They are in "acute need of support" now they are back in the camps, she said. 'No future here' A leader in nearby Dapaing camp confirmed that some escapees had paid up to $700 for their places on the flimsy fishing boats, often in the hope of reaching Malaysia or Indonesia. So far five boatloads are known to have set off from central Rakhine, including the group of 20 men who made it to Aceh. The four other boats were picked up in Myanmar waters between November 16 and 29 and carried between them a further 356 people, who have since been sent back to the camps. There have also been rumours of sightings of several other vessels. But fears that the number could escalate to 2015 levels are for now overstated, said Chris Lewa from the Arakan Project. The circumstances are "completely different" now, she said, pointing out that the boats are much smaller and the Bangladeshi authorities have also managed to prevent any mass departures from the camps there. Rakhine State police chief Colonel Kyi Linn told AFP that six traffickers so far have been detained. "These places are big and we can't control everywhere," he added. The young Rohingya from Thechaung camp told AFP he was already thinking about how to escape again. "What is my future here?" he asked. "If I get another chance to go to Malaysia, I will take it."

Rohingya sent back to Myanmar camps hungry and in debt

As the world was focused on abortive efforts to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-religion-minister-says-rohingya-brainwashed-to-march-on-the-country-181457">Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh</a> to Myanmar last month, hundreds of their fellow Muslims still in Myanmar were boarding boats seeking to escape the country.

Their attempted flight cast the spotlight back on 128,000 Rohingya and other displaced Muslims still living in crowded camps in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine, six years after Buddhist mobs razed most of their homes.

The government of Aung San Suu Kyi, under international pressure to address their plight, says it is now closing the camps on the grounds that doing so will help develop and put the labour of camp residents to good use.

But Reuters interviews with more than a dozen residents from five camps and internal United Nations documents show the move simply means building new, more permanent homes next to the camps - rather than allowing them to return to the areas from which they fled - leaving their situation little changed.

Those that have moved into the new accommodation remain under the same severe movement restrictions as before, residents and staff working in the camps say. A network of official checkpoints and threats of violence by local Buddhists prevent Muslims from moving freely in Rakhine. As a result, those sources say, they are cut off from sources of livelihoods and most services, and reliant on humanitarian handouts.

"Yes, we moved to new houses – it's correct to say (the camp is closed)," said Kyaw Aye, a community leader from a camp called Nidin, in central Rakhine. "But we'll never be able to stand on our own feet because we can't go anywhere."

Reuters spoke to displaced Muslims in Rakhine by phone as reporters are denied independent access to the camps.

Myanmar's Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Win Myat Aye said the government was working with the United Nations on a national strategy to close camps housing people forced out of their homes by violence in Rakhine and elsewhere, known as internally displaced persons or IDPs.

There were no legal restrictions on the movements of displaced people in Rakhine, as long as they accepted a so-called national verification card that also gives them equal access to healthcare and education, he said in a written response to Reuters' questions.

Aid workers and Muslim residents say severe restrictions persist even on those who have accepted the identity card, which most Rohingya reject because they say it treats them as foreigners who have to prove their nationality.

The UN chief in Myanmar, Knut Ostby, warned in a September 24 private note that the government's plan for camp closures "risks further entrenching segregation while denying IDPs many of their fundamental human rights".

Ostby's office declined to comment on the note, but in a written response to Reuters' questions said the UN had been invited to comment on the government's plans for closing camps and was preparing its response.

That response would include recommendations that all displaced people be granted freedom of movement, were involved in planning their resettlement and could return to their homes or another place of their choosing, Ostby said.

MARITIME ESCAPE

Rohingya community leaders say that improving conditions for those still living in Rakhine is one of the keys to persuading the hundreds of thousands sheltering in refugee camps in Bangladesh to return.

Some 730,000 fled a military crackdown after attacks by Rohingya militants in August 2017. UN-mandated investigators have said the Myanmar military unleashed a campaign of killings, rape and arson with "genocidal intent". Myanmar has denied almost all the accusations against its troops, who it says engaged in legitimate operations against terrorists.

Refugees baulked at a plan for repatriating them that was supposed to begin in mid-November, arguing that conditions were not right for the return.

Meanwhile, at least three boats, each carrying scores of men, women and children, have departed from Rakhine for Malaysia since monsoon rains abated in October, following the hazardous maritime escape route used for years by Rohingya fleeing what they say is persecution in Myanmar.

"If they are making the choice to go by boat, it's clear proof of the conditions in the IDP camps," said Khin Maung, a Rohingya youth activist in Bangladesh.

He is in touch with fellow Muslims who are "living like prisoners" in the camps in central Rakhine, Khin Maung said. "If they are living like that how can we agree to go back?"

Win Myat Aye, the minister, said Myanmar was working to improve the lives of both the IDPs and potential returnees.

"I assume that the displaced people are leaving with boats because they (have) not fully understood what we arranged for their accommodations, livelihoods and socio-economic development," he said.

"INVESTING IN SEGREGATION"

One camp, among the 18 remaining in Rakhine, lies outside a central Rakhine town of Myebon, which was torn by communal violence in 2012.

The 3,000-strong Muslim community was expelled and put in the camp, known as Taungpaw, on a narrow strip between the now Buddhist-only town and the Bay of Bengal, in what was supposed to be a temporary arrangement.

This year authorities built 200 new houses on rice paddies next to the camp, despite concerns that the area was prone to flooding. They were inundated in early June. In September, the government also built two new buildings set to become Muslim-only schoolhouses.

"This is a sign the Rakhine state government is investing in permanent segregation rather than promoting integration," said a previously unpublished memo dated September 30 and circulated by UN officials setting out the concerns of aid workers operating in the camps. The UN said it did not comment on leaked documents.

Some Muslims in Myebon have Myanmar citizenship and others have accepted national verification cards. They say they still cannot visit the town, where communal tensions have stayed high since the 2012 violence. Rakhine Buddhists have at times blocked aid deliveries to the camp.

"Although they gave people new homes, if there's still no freedom to move, there's still no opportunity to do business," said camp resident Cho Cho, 49.

Aung Thar Kyaw, a leader among the Rakhine Buddhist community in Myebon, said the two communities were too different to live together, labelling Muslims "so aggressive".

"The government already built them new homes so they don't need to enter town," he said.

Lei Lei Aye, an official in the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, referred questions about the specific concerns in Taungpaw to Rakhine state government officials, who could not be reached for comment.

"POLICY OF APARTHEID"

Despite the humanitarian community's efforts to convince Myanmar to change course, including by giving technical advice on camp closures, "the only scenario that is unfolding before our eyes is the implementation of a policy of apartheid with the permanent segregation of all Muslims, the vast majority of whom are stateless Rohingya, in central Rakhine," said an internal "discussion note" prepared by the UN's refugee agency in late September, first reported by Frontier Myanmar magazine and reviewed by Reuters.

Win Myat Aye said he was "not concerned" about such warnings because the government was progressing with its camp closure strategy in consultation with UN agencies, non-governmental groups and foreign diplomats.

The UN estimates humanitarian assistance in Rakhine will cost about $145 million next year.

Former residents of Nidin, about 100 km (62 miles) north of Taungpaw, told Reuters their situation had barely improved since state media declared the camp closed in August.

They are unable to return to Kyauktaw, the town where many lived and worked before the 2012 violence.

Tun Wai, a Rakhine Buddhist doctor in Kyauktaw, said Muslims could "go freely outside the town". But if they try to return, he said, "they will be killed".

Soe Lwin, deputy chief of the Kyauktaw police station, said Muslims "can't enter the town", but denied they would meet with violence. "We have the rule of law," he said.

The Muslims now live marooned among rice paddies that do not belong to them. Rohingya fishermen say what they catch barely covers their rental costs as they do not own their equipment.

And with no clean water supply, children have contracted skin rashes from washing in agricultural run-off.

"We can't even support our children because we don't have income," said former camp resident Khin Hla, 43. "Without aid, we would starve."

As the world was focused on abortive efforts to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar last month, hundreds of their fellow Muslims still in Myanmar were boarding boats seeking to escape the country.

As the world was focused on abortive efforts to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar last month, hundreds of their fellow Muslims still in Myanmar were boarding boats seeking to escape the country. Their attempted flight cast the spotlight back on 128,000 Rohingya and other displaced Muslims still living in crowded camps in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine, six years after Buddhist mobs razed most of their homes. The government of Aung San Suu Kyi, under international pressure to address their plight, says it is now closing the camps on the grounds that doing so will help develop and put the labour of camp residents to good use. But Reuters interviews with more than a dozen residents from five camps and internal United Nations documents show the move simply means building new, more permanent homes next to the camps - rather than allowing them to return to the areas from which they fled - leaving their situation little changed. Those that have moved into the new accommodation remain under the same severe movement restrictions as before, residents and staff working in the camps say. A network of official checkpoints and threats of violence by local Buddhists prevent Muslims from moving freely in Rakhine. As a result, those sources say, they are cut off from sources of livelihoods and most services, and reliant on humanitarian handouts. "Yes, we moved to new houses – it's correct to say (the camp is closed)," said Kyaw Aye, a community leader from a camp called Nidin, in central Rakhine. "But we'll never be able to stand on our own feet because we can't go anywhere." Reuters spoke to displaced Muslims in Rakhine by phone as reporters are denied independent access to the camps. Myanmar's Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Win Myat Aye said the government was working with the United Nations on a national strategy to close camps housing people forced out of their homes by violence in Rakhine and elsewhere, known as internally displaced persons or IDPs. There were no legal restrictions on the movements of displaced people in Rakhine, as long as they accepted a so-called national verification card that also gives them equal access to healthcare and education, he said in a written response to Reuters' questions. Aid workers and Muslim residents say severe restrictions persist even on those who have accepted the identity card, which most Rohingya reject because they say it treats them as foreigners who have to prove their nationality. The UN chief in Myanmar, Knut Ostby, warned in a September 24 private note that the government's plan for camp closures "risks further entrenching segregation while denying IDPs many of their fundamental human rights". Ostby's office declined to comment on the note, but in a written response to Reuters' questions said the UN had been invited to comment on the government's plans for closing camps and was preparing its response. That response would include recommendations that all displaced people be granted freedom of movement, were involved in planning their resettlement and could return to their homes or another place of their choosing, Ostby said. MARITIME ESCAPE Rohingya community leaders say that improving conditions for those still living in Rakhine is one of the keys to persuading the hundreds of thousands sheltering in refugee camps in Bangladesh to return. Some 730,000 fled a military crackdown after attacks by Rohingya militants in August 2017. UN-mandated investigators have said the Myanmar military unleashed a campaign of killings, rape and arson with "genocidal intent". Myanmar has denied almost all the accusations against its troops, who it says engaged in legitimate operations against terrorists. Refugees baulked at a plan for repatriating them that was supposed to begin in mid-November, arguing that conditions were not right for the return. Meanwhile, at least three boats, each carrying scores of men, women and children, have departed from Rakhine for Malaysia since monsoon rains abated in October, following the hazardous maritime escape route used for years by Rohingya fleeing what they say is persecution in Myanmar. "If they are making the choice to go by boat, it's clear proof of the conditions in the IDP camps," said Khin Maung, a Rohingya youth activist in Bangladesh. He is in touch with fellow Muslims who are "living like prisoners" in the camps in central Rakhine, Khin Maung said. "If they are living like that how can we agree to go back?" Win Myat Aye, the minister, said Myanmar was working to improve the lives of both the IDPs and potential returnees. "I assume that the displaced people are leaving with boats because they (have) not fully understood what we arranged for their accommodations, livelihoods and socio-economic development," he said. "INVESTING IN SEGREGATION" One camp, among the 18 remaining in Rakhine, lies outside a central Rakhine town of Myebon, which was torn by communal violence in 2012. The 3,000-strong Muslim community was expelled and put in the camp, known as Taungpaw, on a narrow strip between the now Buddhist-only town and the Bay of Bengal, in what was supposed to be a temporary arrangement. This year authorities built 200 new houses on rice paddies next to the camp, despite concerns that the area was prone to flooding. They were inundated in early June. In September, the government also built two new buildings set to become Muslim-only schoolhouses. "This is a sign the Rakhine state government is investing in permanent segregation rather than promoting integration," said a previously unpublished memo dated September 30 and circulated by UN officials setting out the concerns of aid workers operating in the camps. The UN said it did not comment on leaked documents. Some Muslims in Myebon have Myanmar citizenship and others have accepted national verification cards. They say they still cannot visit the town, where communal tensions have stayed high since the 2012 violence. Rakhine Buddhists have at times blocked aid deliveries to the camp. "Although they gave people new homes, if there's still no freedom to move, there's still no opportunity to do business," said camp resident Cho Cho, 49. Aung Thar Kyaw, a leader among the Rakhine Buddhist community in Myebon, said the two communities were too different to live together, labelling Muslims "so aggressive". "The government already built them new homes so they don't need to enter town," he said. Lei Lei Aye, an official in the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, referred questions about the specific concerns in Taungpaw to Rakhine state government officials, who could not be reached for comment. "POLICY OF APARTHEID" Despite the humanitarian community's efforts to convince Myanmar to change course, including by giving technical advice on camp closures, "the only scenario that is unfolding before our eyes is the implementation of a policy of apartheid with the permanent segregation of all Muslims, the vast majority of whom are stateless Rohingya, in central Rakhine," said an internal "discussion note" prepared by the UN's refugee agency in late September, first reported by Frontier Myanmar magazine and reviewed by Reuters. Win Myat Aye said he was "not concerned" about such warnings because the government was progressing with its camp closure strategy in consultation with UN agencies, non-governmental groups and foreign diplomats. The UN estimates humanitarian assistance in Rakhine will cost about $145 million next year. Former residents of Nidin, about 100 km (62 miles) north of Taungpaw, told Reuters their situation had barely improved since state media declared the camp closed in August. They are unable to return to Kyauktaw, the town where many lived and worked before the 2012 violence. Tun Wai, a Rakhine Buddhist doctor in Kyauktaw, said Muslims could "go freely outside the town". But if they try to return, he said, "they will be killed". Soe Lwin, deputy chief of the Kyauktaw police station, said Muslims "can't enter the town", but denied they would meet with violence. "We have the rule of law," he said. The Muslims now live marooned among rice paddies that do not belong to them. Rohingya fishermen say what they catch barely covers their rental costs as they do not own their equipment. And with no clean water supply, children have contracted skin rashes from washing in agricultural run-off. "We can't even support our children because we don't have income," said former camp resident Khin Hla, 43. "Without aid, we would starve."

Myanmar seeks UN help to devise strategy to close refugee camps

Myanmar’s Minister for Religion on Tuesday said<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-faces-refugee-anger-over-term-rohingya-officials-stopped-sharing-family-information-with-myanmar-179577"> Rohingya</a> Muslim refugees living in neighbouring <a href="http://www.wionews.com/bangladesh">Bangladesh</a> are being "brainwashed" into "marching" on the Buddhist-majority nation, amid a diplomatic feud over the fate of the persecuted minority.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar’s Rakhine state in the wake of a brutal army crackdown last August, UN&nbsp;agencies say, and are now living in crowded Bangladeshi refugee camps.

UN&nbsp;investigators have accused Myanmar soldiers of carrying out mass killings, rapes and burning hundreds of villages with "genocidal intent".

Myanmar denies most of the allegations.

Thura Aung Ko said Bangladesh was "not letting them return", referring to the Rohingya as "Bengalis", a term commonly used in Myanmar to imply that they are recent interlopers from Bangladesh. Rohingya say they are native to Rakhine state.

"If [they] release them, the population will drop," he said in a video shared by NewsWatch, a news website. "And then, they, at the camps, also feed and brainwash Bengali youths to truly march. They will march on Myanmar. The future goal of those overpopulated Bengalis is to march on Myanmar."

Plans to repatriate an initial group of 2,260 Rohingya from the camps last month were scuppered after none of the refugees agreed to go back, saying they wanted guarantees of safety and citizenship.

Thura Aung Ko, a former general who was appointed to the cabinet by Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi after she came to power in 2016, was expanding on comments he made at the funeral of a prominent monk last week. On November 27, he expounded on birth rates among members of an unnamed "extreme religion" and the threat it posed to Buddhism in Myanmar.

"While we Buddhists practise monogamy and have only one or two children, an extreme religion encourages to have three or four wives and give birth to 15 to 20 children," he said in a video published by Radio Free Asia. "After three, four, five decades in this Buddhist country, the Buddhist community will certainly become the minority."

On Tuesday, he clarified: "In fact, ‘other religion’ means Bengalis."

San Aung, the chairman of an Islamic society based in Yangon, told Reuters by phone the comments were "very sad".

Myanmar’s Minister for Religion on Tuesday said Rohingya Muslim refugees living in neighbouring Bangladesh are being "brainwashed" into "marching" on the Buddhist-majority nation, amid a diplomatic feud over the fate of the persecuted minority.

Myanmar’s Minister for Religion on Tuesday said Rohingya Muslim refugees living in neighbouring Bangladesh are being "brainwashed" into "marching" on the Buddhist-majority nation, amid a diplomatic feud over the fate of the persecuted minority. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar’s Rakhine state in the wake of a brutal army crackdown last August, UN agencies say, and are now living in crowded Bangladeshi refugee camps. UN investigators have accused Myanmar soldiers of carrying out mass killings, rapes and burning hundreds of villages with "genocidal intent". Myanmar denies most of the allegations. Thura Aung Ko said Bangladesh was "not letting them return", referring to the Rohingya as "Bengalis", a term commonly used in Myanmar to imply that they are recent interlopers from Bangladesh. Rohingya say they are native to Rakhine state. "If [they] release them, the population will drop," he said in a video shared by NewsWatch, a news website. "And then, they, at the camps, also feed and brainwash Bengali youths to truly march. They will march on Myanmar. The future goal of those overpopulated Bengalis is to march on Myanmar." Plans to repatriate an initial group of 2,260 Rohingya from the camps last month were scuppered after none of the refugees agreed to go back, saying they wanted guarantees of safety and citizenship. Thura Aung Ko, a former general who was appointed to the cabinet by Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi after she came to power in 2016, was expanding on comments he made at the funeral of a prominent monk last week. On November 27, he expounded on birth rates among members of an unnamed "extreme religion" and the threat it posed to Buddhism in Myanmar. "While we Buddhists practise monogamy and have only one or two children, an extreme religion encourages to have three or four wives and give birth to 15 to 20 children," he said in a video published by Radio Free Asia. "After three, four, five decades in this Buddhist country, the Buddhist community will certainly become the minority." On Tuesday, he clarified: "In fact, ‘other religion’ means Bengalis." San Aung, the chairman of an Islamic society based in Yangon, told Reuters by phone the comments were "very sad".

Myanmar religion minister says Rohingya 'brainwashed' to 'march' on country

A boat carrying 20 men believed to be Rohingya migrants landed in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-to-give-first-report-on-deadly-lion-air-crash-on-wednesday-179761"> Indonesia </a>Tuesday, authorities said, the latest group of the vulnerable Myanmar minority to reach the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation.&nbsp;

They arrived in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-100-prisoners-break-out-of-jail-in-aceh-after-a-riot-180504"> Aceh province</a> on Sumatra island in a rickety wooden boat, according to a local official, who said he thought the men were the persecuted Muslim Rohingya.

"We can't communicate with them because they don't speak Indonesian, Acehnese, or English. So we don't know much about them," said Iswandi, the head of Idi Rayeuk district where they arrived, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

It is not known where the group, aged between around 20 to 40, set off from.

However, in recent weeks authorities in both Myanmar and Bangladesh, where around a million of the Muslim refugees are living in camps, have stopped boats of fleeing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-seizes-boat-carrying-93-fleeing-rohingya-camps-for-malaysia-179696">Rohingya migrants headed mainly for Malaysia.&nbsp;</a>

It has been rare for Rohingya migrants to attempt the sea routes south since Thai authorities clamped down on regional trafficking networks in 2015, sparking a crisis across Southeast Asia as large numbers were abandoned at sea.

That year, hundreds of Rohingya came ashore in Aceh, where they were welcomed in the staunchly conservative Islamic province.

But there have been concerns the desperate community might start taking to the high seas again after mainly Buddhist Myanmar launched a new military crackdown last year that forced about 700,000 members of the Muslim minority to flee to Bangladesh.

In April, about 80 Rohingya in a wooden boat landed in Aceh just weeks after dozens more arrived in neighbouring Malaysia.

Indonesia tends to accept asylum seekers but they are usually barred from working and often spend years in immigration centres.

A boat carrying 20 men believed to be Rohingya migrants landed in Indonesia Tuesday, authorities said, the latest group of the vulnerable Myanmar minority to reach the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation.

A boat carrying 20 men believed to be Rohingya migrants landed in Indonesia Tuesday, authorities said, the latest group of the vulnerable Myanmar minority to reach the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation. They arrived in Aceh province on Sumatra island in a rickety wooden boat, according to a local official, who said he thought the men were the persecuted Muslim Rohingya. "We can't communicate with them because they don't speak Indonesian, Acehnese, or English. So we don't know much about them," said Iswandi, the head of Idi Rayeuk district where they arrived, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. It is not known where the group, aged between around 20 to 40, set off from. However, in recent weeks authorities in both Myanmar and Bangladesh, where around a million of the Muslim refugees are living in camps, have stopped boats of fleeing Rohingya migrants headed mainly for Malaysia. It has been rare for Rohingya migrants to attempt the sea routes south since Thai authorities clamped down on regional trafficking networks in 2015, sparking a crisis across Southeast Asia as large numbers were abandoned at sea. That year, hundreds of Rohingya came ashore in Aceh, where they were welcomed in the staunchly conservative Islamic province. But there have been concerns the desperate community might start taking to the high seas again after mainly Buddhist Myanmar launched a new military crackdown last year that forced about 700,000 members of the Muslim minority to flee to Bangladesh. In April, about 80 Rohingya in a wooden boat landed in Aceh just weeks after dozens more arrived in neighbouring Malaysia. Indonesia tends to accept asylum seekers but they are usually barred from working and often spend years in immigration centres.

Rohingya migrant boat lands in Indonesia: Official

A Bangladeshi diplomat Saturday stressed the need for international help to overcome the Rohingya refugee crisis in the country and said being the largest nation in South Asia, India had a huge role to play in building trust in the region.

Shahanaj Akhter Ranu, the political counsellor of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in the city, said political stability was necessary for economic growth and the non-state refugee issue was having an impact on the neighbouring country.

"We need international help and cooperation to repatriate the Rohingya people to their homeland," she said at the MCCI Logistics Forum.

India had more responsibility in building trust in the region, being the largest country in South Asia, Ranu added.

Bangladesh had in the past also sought India's support in handling the Rohingya issue by mounting pressure on Myanmar to take back the refugees who had taken shelter in the country.

According to the United Nations (UN), nearly seven lakh Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar's Rakhine state to Bangladesh since August 2017.

Bangladesh has accused the Myanmar government of failing to tackle the concerns over the Rohingya Muslims who fled the country and urged the UN Security Council to take action to ensure their safe return home.

Ranu also called for a faster implementation of the BBIN MVA (The Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement) for a greater economic growth in the region.

Bangladesh, India and Nepal have already given their nod to the operating procedures for the movement of passenger vehicles in the sub-region.&nbsp;

A Bangladeshi diplomat Saturday stressed the need for international help to overcome the Rohingya refugee crisis in the country and said being the largest nation in South Asia, India had a huge role to play in building trust in the region.

A Bangladeshi diplomat Saturday stressed the need for international help to overcome the Rohingya refugee crisis in the country and said being the largest nation in South Asia, India had a huge role to play in building trust in the region. Shahanaj Akhter Ranu, the political counsellor of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in the city, said political stability was necessary for economic growth and the non-state refugee issue was having an impact on the neighbouring country. "We need international help and cooperation to repatriate the Rohingya people to their homeland," she said at the MCCI Logistics Forum. India had more responsibility in building trust in the region, being the largest country in South Asia, Ranu added. Bangladesh had in the past also sought India's support in handling the Rohingya issue by mounting pressure on Myanmar to take back the refugees who had taken shelter in the country. According to the United Nations (UN), nearly seven lakh Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar's Rakhine state to Bangladesh since August 2017. Bangladesh has accused the Myanmar government of failing to tackle the concerns over the Rohingya Muslims who fled the country and urged the UN Security Council to take action to ensure their safe return home. Ranu also called for a faster implementation of the BBIN MVA (The Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement) for a greater economic growth in the region. Bangladesh, India and Nepal have already given their nod to the operating procedures for the movement of passenger vehicles in the sub-region.

Rohingya crisis: Bangladesh seeks international support

Myanmar youth activist and television host Thinzar Shun Lei Yi would once have called herself one of Aung San Suu Kyi`s greatest fans. Now, she is one of her most vocal critics.

The 27-year-old belongs to a small but high-profile group of liberal activists, many former die-hard Suu Kyi supporters, who are growing increasingly disillusioned with the administration they voted into power with sky-high hopes three years ago.

"I lost my idol, I`m confused, frustrated and lost," said Thinzar Shun Lei Yi, who hosts an `Under 30` talk show on a popular local website.

"Most of the activists and youths are now thinking: `What is next`, `What will happen?`, `What can we do?` At this stage, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is going her own way and nobody can intervene, and she won`t listen to civil society organisations," she said, using the honorific for women in Myanmar.

While Suu Kyi continues to inspire devotion among many ordinary Burmese, the emergence of a dissenting youth movement – driven by anger over her handling of ethnic minorities, including the Muslim Rohingya, as well as curbs on the media and civil society – presents a new challenge for her administration.

At stake is the future of Myanmar`s transition towards democracy after years of military rule. With a general election looming in 2020, the country`s first civilian government in decades is confronted by growing divisions among activists who once coalesced around her National League for Democracy party.

NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt said the party was trying to win over young people, increasing the budget for education and supporting vocational training programmes.

"The youth and the people expected a lot from our government," he said. "We couldn`t live up to their expectations, we admit. But we are doing our best." 
Suu Kyi took power in 2016 after a landslide election win, vowing to continue democratic reforms and end the country`s long-running civil wars.

Since then, the administration has come under pressure over its response to a military crackdown against the Rohingya minority that the United Nations has described as "ethnic cleansing" with "genocidal intent", as well as faltering peace talks with ethnic armed groups and a stagnating economy.

FREE SPEECH

Activists say the civilian government has also become increasingly authoritarian, failing to use its overwhelming parliamentary majority to scrap colonial-era laws used to stifle dissent, while tightening restrictions on civil society.&nbsp;

In recent months, they have staged several protests, including an anti-war march in the commercial capital of Yangon in May that ended in scuffles. A total of 17 people were charged with unlawful protest, including Thinzar Shun Lei Yi. Their trial is ongoing.

"Sensitive issues are banned, and protesters arrested and beaten," she said. "The National League of Democracy, the party using the name of democracy, must respect democracy and human rights."

According to free speech organisation Athan, which means `Voice` in Burmese, 44 journalists and 142 activists have faced trial since the Suu Kyi government took power.

The group`s founder, poet and activist Maung Saung Kha, is one of them. He was also among the protesters charged alongside Thinzar Shun Lei Yi in May. Four months later, in September, they both helped organise another demonstration, this time for free speech.&nbsp;

Facing the crowd, Maung Saung Kha – who is still an NLD member – donned the orange shirt traditionally worn by his party`s lawmakers and draped a green jacket resembling military garb over it. Armed with a copy of the state-run daily newspaper The Mirror, he began beating journalists gathered nearby.&nbsp;

"The government has failed to use its power to protect people`s rights," he told Reuters.&nbsp;

Myo Nyunt, the party spokesman, said the government was cooperating with non-governmental organisations, but their activities needed to be examined case-by-case.

"If it is not related to security or not a divisive issue among ethnics, we accept them," he said. "We are going forward to democracy so we acknowledge the role of NGOs, but we have concerns that NGOs are being influenced by sponsors instead of being independent."

"ACKNOWLEDGE ROHINGYA"

While she has no control over the military, Suu Kyi has faced international criticism for failing to defend the Rohingya, more than 730,000 of whom fled a sweeping army cracking in western Rakhine state in 2017, according to UN agencies. The crackdown was launched in response to insurgent Rohingya attacks on security forces.

Myanmar denies almost all the allegations of atrocities made by refugees, saying the army was carrying out a legitimate campaign against terrorists. 
While many among Myanmar`s Buddhist majority revile the Rohingya, the young activists offer a rare sympathetic voice.

"We acknowledge Rohingya. We totally denounce the fact that they are referred to as `Bengali`," said Maung Saung Kha, referring to a term commonly used in Myanmar to imply the Rohingya are interlopers from Bangladesh, despite a long history in the country.

"We haven`t seen any acknowledgement or punishment for the things that happened," he said. "The refugees will not come back as long as these people think of them as less than humans, and that it is not a crime to kill them."

Khin Sandar, another young activist facing unlawful protest charges, spent months campaigning for the NLD ahead of the 2015 election but lost faith in Suu Kyi over her handling of the Rakhine crisis.&nbsp;

Her family was affected in a wave of communal violence in 2012, when not only Rohingya but members of the Kaman Muslim minority, who also face discrimination but unlike the Rohingya are considered Myanmar citizens, were driven from their homes. They live in crowded internal displacement camps outside the Rakhine state capital Sittwe and are subjected to severe restrictions on movement.

In a speech after last year`s violence, Suu Kyi said all residents of Rakhine "have access to education and healthcare services without discrimination". 
"My own nephew and nieces are still living in the Sittwe camps and they don`t have those rights," said Khin Sandar. "I was shocked. How can she say that in her speech?" Afterwards, she said, she quit her job as researcher for an NLD lawmaker.

While the youth activists represent only a small segment of Myanmar society they are increasingly influential in the grassroots activism scene, while their protests and public comments have attracted significant attention from media and from their vast social media followings.

Mostly in their 20s and 30s, they highlight the gulf between Myanmar`s young population – the median age is 27 – and its ageing leadership, comprised of mostly men in their 60s and 70s.

"Myanmar is a very conservative country, these young people, especially from Yangon, are now challenging that," said Myat Thu, a political analyst from the Yangon School of Political Science.

"In order to have a revolution of ideas, not many people need to know. They will spread it gradually."

Myanmar youth activist and television host Thinzar Shun Lei Yi would once have called herself one of Aung San Suu Kyi`s greatest fans. Now, she is one of her most vocal critics.

Myanmar youth activist and television host Thinzar Shun Lei Yi would once have called herself one of Aung San Suu Kyi`s greatest fans. Now, she is one of her most vocal critics. The 27-year-old belongs to a small but high-profile group of liberal activists, many former die-hard Suu Kyi supporters, who are growing increasingly disillusioned with the administration they voted into power with sky-high hopes three years ago. "I lost my idol, I`m confused, frustrated and lost," said Thinzar Shun Lei Yi, who hosts an `Under 30` talk show on a popular local website. "Most of the activists and youths are now thinking: `What is next`, `What will happen?`, `What can we do?` At this stage, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is going her own way and nobody can intervene, and she won`t listen to civil society organisations," she said, using the honorific for women in Myanmar. While Suu Kyi continues to inspire devotion among many ordinary Burmese, the emergence of a dissenting youth movement – driven by anger over her handling of ethnic minorities, including the Muslim Rohingya, as well as curbs on the media and civil society – presents a new challenge for her administration. At stake is the future of Myanmar`s transition towards democracy after years of military rule. With a general election looming in 2020, the country`s first civilian government in decades is confronted by growing divisions among activists who once coalesced around her National League for Democracy party. NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt said the party was trying to win over young people, increasing the budget for education and supporting vocational training programmes. "The youth and the people expected a lot from our government," he said. "We couldn`t live up to their expectations, we admit. But we are doing our best." Suu Kyi took power in 2016 after a landslide election win, vowing to continue democratic reforms and end the country`s long-running civil wars. Since then, the administration has come under pressure over its response to a military crackdown against the Rohingya minority that the United Nations has described as "ethnic cleansing" with "genocidal intent", as well as faltering peace talks with ethnic armed groups and a stagnating economy. FREE SPEECH Activists say the civilian government has also become increasingly authoritarian, failing to use its overwhelming parliamentary majority to scrap colonial-era laws used to stifle dissent, while tightening restrictions on civil society. In recent months, they have staged several protests, including an anti-war march in the commercial capital of Yangon in May that ended in scuffles. A total of 17 people were charged with unlawful protest, including Thinzar Shun Lei Yi. Their trial is ongoing. "Sensitive issues are banned, and protesters arrested and beaten," she said. "The National League of Democracy, the party using the name of democracy, must respect democracy and human rights." According to free speech organisation Athan, which means `Voice` in Burmese, 44 journalists and 142 activists have faced trial since the Suu Kyi government took power. The group`s founder, poet and activist Maung Saung Kha, is one of them. He was also among the protesters charged alongside Thinzar Shun Lei Yi in May. Four months later, in September, they both helped organise another demonstration, this time for free speech. Facing the crowd, Maung Saung Kha – who is still an NLD member – donned the orange shirt traditionally worn by his party`s lawmakers and draped a green jacket resembling military garb over it. Armed with a copy of the state-run daily newspaper The Mirror, he began beating journalists gathered nearby. "The government has failed to use its power to protect people`s rights," he told Reuters. Myo Nyunt, the party spokesman, said the government was cooperating with non-governmental organisations, but their activities needed to be examined case-by-case. "If it is not related to security or not a divisive issue among ethnics, we accept them," he said. "We are going forward to democracy so we acknowledge the role of NGOs, but we have concerns that NGOs are being influenced by sponsors instead of being independent." "ACKNOWLEDGE ROHINGYA" While she has no control over the military, Suu Kyi has faced international criticism for failing to defend the Rohingya, more than 730,000 of whom fled a sweeping army cracking in western Rakhine state in 2017, according to UN agencies. The crackdown was launched in response to insurgent Rohingya attacks on security forces. Myanmar denies almost all the allegations of atrocities made by refugees, saying the army was carrying out a legitimate campaign against terrorists. While many among Myanmar`s Buddhist majority revile the Rohingya, the young activists offer a rare sympathetic voice. "We acknowledge Rohingya. We totally denounce the fact that they are referred to as `Bengali`," said Maung Saung Kha, referring to a term commonly used in Myanmar to imply the Rohingya are interlopers from Bangladesh, despite a long history in the country. "We haven`t seen any acknowledgement or punishment for the things that happened," he said. "The refugees will not come back as long as these people think of them as less than humans, and that it is not a crime to kill them." Khin Sandar, another young activist facing unlawful protest charges, spent months campaigning for the NLD ahead of the 2015 election but lost faith in Suu Kyi over her handling of the Rakhine crisis. Her family was affected in a wave of communal violence in 2012, when not only Rohingya but members of the Kaman Muslim minority, who also face discrimination but unlike the Rohingya are considered Myanmar citizens, were driven from their homes. They live in crowded internal displacement camps outside the Rakhine state capital Sittwe and are subjected to severe restrictions on movement. In a speech after last year`s violence, Suu Kyi said all residents of Rakhine "have access to education and healthcare services without discrimination". "My own nephew and nieces are still living in the Sittwe camps and they don`t have those rights," said Khin Sandar. "I was shocked. How can she say that in her speech?" Afterwards, she said, she quit her job as researcher for an NLD lawmaker. While the youth activists represent only a small segment of Myanmar society they are increasingly influential in the grassroots activism scene, while their protests and public comments have attracted significant attention from media and from their vast social media followings. Mostly in their 20s and 30s, they highlight the gulf between Myanmar`s young population – the median age is 27 – and its ageing leadership, comprised of mostly men in their 60s and 70s. "Myanmar is a very conservative country, these young people, especially from Yangon, are now challenging that," said Myat Thu, a political analyst from the Yangon School of Political Science. "In order to have a revolution of ideas, not many people need to know. They will spread it gradually."

Lost idol: New wave of Myanmar youth activists look beyond Suu Kyi

A human rights law group contracted by the State Department to interview refugees as part of an investigation into atrocities against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar has found that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that genocide was committed - even though the US government stopped short of saying so.

A report due to be released on Monday by the Washington-based Public International Law and Policy Group (PILPG) will also say there was a reasonable basis to conclude that the Myanmar military committed crimes against humanity and war crimes, as well as genocide.

A US State Department report released in September, which relied on PILPG research, found that Myanmar's military waged a "well-planned and coordinated" campaign of mass killings, gang rapes and other atrocities against the Rohingya.

But it stopped short of describing the crackdown as genocide or crimes against humanity, an issue that US officials said was the subject of fierce internal debate that delayed the report's rollout for nearly a month.

A declaration of genocide by the US government, which has only gone as far as labeling the crackdown "ethnic cleansing," could have legal implications of committing Washington to stronger punitive measures against Myanmar. This has made some in the Trump administration wary of issuing such an assessment.

In an advisory on Thursday announcing the planned release of the legal analysis of its investigation, PILPG said it would reveal that "there is a reasonable basis to conclude that war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide were committed against the Rohingya population."

PILPG based its report on more than 1,000 interviews with Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh. The group said its mission was conducted in March and April "to provide an accurate accounting of the patterns of abuse and atrocity crimes."

The September State Department report was released in low-key fashion nearly a month after UN investigators issued a report accusing Myanmar’s military of acting with "genocidal intent" and calling for the country’s commander-in-chief and five generals to be prosecuted under international law.

State Department officials have said the objective of the US government investigation was not to determine genocide but to "document the facts," and it would be up to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to make a "legal" designation in the future.

Pompeo has urged Myanmar's government to investigate abuses against the Rohingya and hold accountable members of its security forces and others who were responsible.

A top State Department official said in September those responsible could be held accountable for genocide and crimes against humanity.

The military in Myanmar, previously known as Burma, where Buddhism is the main religion, has denied accusations of ethnic cleansing and says its actions were part of a fight against terrorism.

A human rights law group contracted by the State Department to interview refugees as part of an investigation into atrocities against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar has found that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that genocide was committed - even though the US government stopped short of saying so.

A human rights law group contracted by the State Department to interview refugees as part of an investigation into atrocities against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar has found that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that genocide was committed - even though the US government stopped short of saying so. A report due to be released on Monday by the Washington-based Public International Law and Policy Group (PILPG) will also say there was a reasonable basis to conclude that the Myanmar military committed crimes against humanity and war crimes, as well as genocide. A US State Department report released in September, which relied on PILPG research, found that Myanmar's military waged a "well-planned and coordinated" campaign of mass killings, gang rapes and other atrocities against the Rohingya. But it stopped short of describing the crackdown as genocide or crimes against humanity, an issue that US officials said was the subject of fierce internal debate that delayed the report's rollout for nearly a month. A declaration of genocide by the US government, which has only gone as far as labeling the crackdown "ethnic cleansing," could have legal implications of committing Washington to stronger punitive measures against Myanmar. This has made some in the Trump administration wary of issuing such an assessment. In an advisory on Thursday announcing the planned release of the legal analysis of its investigation, PILPG said it would reveal that "there is a reasonable basis to conclude that war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide were committed against the Rohingya population." PILPG based its report on more than 1,000 interviews with Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh. The group said its mission was conducted in March and April "to provide an accurate accounting of the patterns of abuse and atrocity crimes." The September State Department report was released in low-key fashion nearly a month after UN investigators issued a report accusing Myanmar’s military of acting with "genocidal intent" and calling for the country’s commander-in-chief and five generals to be prosecuted under international law. State Department officials have said the objective of the US government investigation was not to determine genocide but to "document the facts," and it would be up to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to make a "legal" designation in the future. Pompeo has urged Myanmar's government to investigate abuses against the Rohingya and hold accountable members of its security forces and others who were responsible. A top State Department official said in September those responsible could be held accountable for genocide and crimes against humanity. The military in Myanmar, previously known as Burma, where Buddhism is the main religion, has denied accusations of ethnic cleansing and says its actions were part of a fight against terrorism.

Law group that helped US probe says Rohingyas victims of genocide

Paris city will strip Aung San <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-dont-need-their-prize-myanmar-defiant-as-amnesty-pulls-suu-kyi-award-177056">Suu Kyi of her honorary freedom </a>of the French capital over her failure to speak out against a crackdown on Myanmar's Rohingya minority, a mayor's spokeswoman said Friday.

Mayor Anne Hidalgo decided to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/canada-legislators-symbolic-move-vote-strip-myanmars-suu-kyi-citizenship-168059">revoke the honour because </a>of the "multiple violations of human rights recorded in Myanmar and the violence and persecution by Myanmar's security forces against the Rohingya minority," the spokeswoman told AFP.

The move, which follows similar decisions by Glasgow, Edinburgh and Oxford, would make Myanmar's de facto leader the first person to lose the freedom of the French capital, a purely symbolic award.

The move will be finalised by the city council at a meeting in mid-December, the spokeswoman said.

Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi, once feted as a democracy icon in the mould of Nelson Mandela for leading opposition to Myanmar's military junta, has fallen out of favour in the West over her inaction in the face of the crackdown on the mostly Muslim Rohingya.

More than 700,000 Rohingya fled violence in the Buddhist-majority country last year, mostly to neighbouring Bangladesh.

A UN rights team found evidence of widespread murder, rape, torture and arson and called for top generals to be prosecuted for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Hidalgo's office said the mayor wrote to Suu Kyi late last year to "express her concern and call for respect for the rights of the Rohingya minority", but that the letter went unanswered.

Suu Kyi's supporters argue that she has no powers to rein in the army.

She has already been stripped of her honorary Canadian citizenship and her Amnesty International's "Ambassador of Conscience Award".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Paris city will strip Aung San Suu Kyi of her honorary freedom of the French capital over her failure to speak out against a crackdown on Myanmar's Rohingya minority, a mayor's spokeswoman said Friday.

Paris city will strip Aung San Suu Kyi of her honorary freedom of the French capital over her failure to speak out against a crackdown on Myanmar's Rohingya minority, a mayor's spokeswoman said Friday. Mayor Anne Hidalgo decided to revoke the honour because of the "multiple violations of human rights recorded in Myanmar and the violence and persecution by Myanmar's security forces against the Rohingya minority," the spokeswoman told AFP. The move, which follows similar decisions by Glasgow, Edinburgh and Oxford, would make Myanmar's de facto leader the first person to lose the freedom of the French capital, a purely symbolic award. The move will be finalised by the city council at a meeting in mid-December, the spokeswoman said. Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi, once feted as a democracy icon in the mould of Nelson Mandela for leading opposition to Myanmar's military junta, has fallen out of favour in the West over her inaction in the face of the crackdown on the mostly Muslim Rohingya. More than 700,000 Rohingya fled violence in the Buddhist-majority country last year, mostly to neighbouring Bangladesh. A UN rights team found evidence of widespread murder, rape, torture and arson and called for top generals to be prosecuted for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Hidalgo's office said the mayor wrote to Suu Kyi late last year to "express her concern and call for respect for the rights of the Rohingya minority", but that the letter went unanswered. Suu Kyi's supporters argue that she has no powers to rein in the army. She has already been stripped of her honorary Canadian citizenship and her Amnesty International's "Ambassador of Conscience Award".

Suu Kyi to be stripped of freedom of French capital award: Paris mayor

The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned the final hearing in the extradition&nbsp;of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/biometric-details-of-rohingya-in-jk-will-be-collected-within-2-months-governor-satya-pal-malik-175636">Rohingyas </a>to January 2019.

The apex court was hearing the petition filed by two Rohingya immigrants, Mohammad Salimullah and Mohammad Shaqir, who claim that the Rohingyas have&nbsp;taken refuge in India after escaping from Myanmar due to widespread discrimination, violence and bloodshed against the community there.

The petition also sought a direction that Rohingyas be provided "basic amenities to ensure that they can live in human conditions as required by international law".

More than 650,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar's Rakhine state in August 2017 after Myanmar's army launched a massive crackdown in its northern state. India and Bangladesh are known to have given shelter to a large number of Rohingya refugees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The military campaign — which the UN has called ethnic cleansing — followed an attack on police and army posts by the militant Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army group.&nbsp;

About 40,000 Rohingya currently live in Indian states of Jammu, Hyderabad, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan.

The Centre had earlier asked the apex court to not to interfere in the Rohingya deportation case. Citing it as a threat for the national security the Centre also added that it was trying to resolve the issue by diplomatic efforts.

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Supreme Court today adjourned the Rohingya case for final disposal in January 2019. <a href="https://t.co/p5g08qKbr5">pic.twitter.com/p5g08qKbr5</a>
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Earlier Union Minister Rajnath Singh had directed the state governments to identify Rohingyas and carry out biometrics.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned the final hearing in the extradition of Rohingyas to January 2019. The apex court was hearing the petition filed by two Rohingya immigrants, Mohammad Salimullah and Mohammad Shaqir, who claim that the Rohingyas have taken refuge in India after escaping from Myanmar due to widespread discrimination, violence and bloodshed against the community there.

The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned the final hearing in the extradition of Rohingyas to January 2019. The apex court was hearing the petition filed by two Rohingya immigrants, Mohammad Salimullah and Mohammad Shaqir, who claim that the Rohingyas have taken refuge in India after escaping from Myanmar due to widespread discrimination, violence and bloodshed against the community there. The petition also sought a direction that Rohingyas be provided "basic amenities to ensure that they can live in human conditions as required by international law". More than 650,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar's Rakhine state in August 2017 after Myanmar's army launched a massive crackdown in its northern state. India and Bangladesh are known to have given shelter to a large number of Rohingya refugees. The military campaign — which the UN has called ethnic cleansing — followed an attack on police and army posts by the militant Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army group. About 40,000 Rohingya currently live in Indian states of Jammu, Hyderabad, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan. The Centre had earlier asked the apex court to not to interfere in the Rohingya deportation case. Citing it as a threat for the national security the Centre also added that it was trying to resolve the issue by diplomatic efforts. Supreme Court today adjourned the Rohingya case for final disposal in January 2019. pic.twitter.com/p5g08qKbr5 — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × Earlier Union Minister Rajnath Singh had directed the state governments to identify Rohingyas and carry out biometrics. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court adjourns Rohingya case for final extradition till January 2019

Nearly 100 Rohingya Muslims were forced back to Myanmar's Rakhine state after being detained at sea en route to Malaysia, police said Wednesday, stirring fears of a fresh refugee boat crisis.

Three vessels carrying fleeing Rohingya have now been seized and returned to Rakhine over the past two weeks, as the monsoon season gives way to more favourable, if still treacherous, sailing conditions.

All on board the third boat were being returned to camps around the capital Sittwe in the central part of the state, where more than 120,000 people have been confined since intercommunal violence in 2012.

A photo in local media showed the group huddled on the deck in the baking sun, a scene reminiscent of the boat crisis in 2015 that saw countless Rohingya abandoned by smugglers in the Andaman Sea after authorities shut down trafficking routes.

They were headed for Malaysia when stopped by navy officers on Sunday night off the southern town of Dawei, Police Major Min Lwin told AFP.

"They were all sent back to Sittwe on a navy boat last night," he said, adding that the group, two thirds of whom were under the age of 18, would arrive on Thursday or Friday.

The plight of Rohingya Muslims languishing in the central part of the state has been overshadowed by last year's mass exodus of more than 720,000 Rohingya from northern Rakhine.

Those refugees fled over the border into Bangladesh to escape a brutal military crackdown.

UN investigators want Myanmar's top generals to be prosecuted for genocide over the crackdown, but Myanmar says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants.

Around 10 boats, carrying a total of several hundred people, have left the camps in central Rakhine since mid-October, said Arakan Project director Chris Lewa, whose group monitors abuses against the Rohingya.

"I'm worried about Bangladesh. The border guards say they won't let people leave but if people do then the numbers would be much bigger," she said. 
Desperation in the refugee camps across the border is also growing.

A repatriation deal has stalled, with Rohingya refusing to go home until their safety and rights are secured.

The stateless minority are denied citizenship in Myanmar and face severe restrictions on movement as well as a lack of access to work, healthcare and schools in what Amnesty International says amounts to apartheid.

One camp leader told AFP under the condition of anonymity that they try to explain to people about the dangers of leaving by boat but many are simply too desperate to listen.

"We are losing hope," he said. "Nothing has changed in the last six years."&nbsp;

Nearly 100 Rohingya Muslims were forced back to Myanmar's Rakhine state after being detained at sea en route to Malaysia, police said Wednesday, stirring fears of a fresh refugee boat crisis.

Nearly 100 Rohingya Muslims were forced back to Myanmar's Rakhine state after being detained at sea en route to Malaysia, police said Wednesday, stirring fears of a fresh refugee boat crisis. Three vessels carrying fleeing Rohingya have now been seized and returned to Rakhine over the past two weeks, as the monsoon season gives way to more favourable, if still treacherous, sailing conditions. All on board the third boat were being returned to camps around the capital Sittwe in the central part of the state, where more than 120,000 people have been confined since intercommunal violence in 2012. A photo in local media showed the group huddled on the deck in the baking sun, a scene reminiscent of the boat crisis in 2015 that saw countless Rohingya abandoned by smugglers in the Andaman Sea after authorities shut down trafficking routes. They were headed for Malaysia when stopped by navy officers on Sunday night off the southern town of Dawei, Police Major Min Lwin told AFP. "They were all sent back to Sittwe on a navy boat last night," he said, adding that the group, two thirds of whom were under the age of 18, would arrive on Thursday or Friday. The plight of Rohingya Muslims languishing in the central part of the state has been overshadowed by last year's mass exodus of more than 720,000 Rohingya from northern Rakhine. Those refugees fled over the border into Bangladesh to escape a brutal military crackdown. UN investigators want Myanmar's top generals to be prosecuted for genocide over the crackdown, but Myanmar says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants. Around 10 boats, carrying a total of several hundred people, have left the camps in central Rakhine since mid-October, said Arakan Project director Chris Lewa, whose group monitors abuses against the Rohingya. "I'm worried about Bangladesh. The border guards say they won't let people leave but if people do then the numbers would be much bigger," she said. Desperation in the refugee camps across the border is also growing. A repatriation deal has stalled, with Rohingya refusing to go home until their safety and rights are secured. The stateless minority are denied citizenship in Myanmar and face severe restrictions on movement as well as a lack of access to work, healthcare and schools in what Amnesty International says amounts to apartheid. One camp leader told AFP under the condition of anonymity that they try to explain to people about the dangers of leaving by boat but many are simply too desperate to listen. "We are losing hope," he said. "Nothing has changed in the last six years."

93 Rohingya fleeing by boat sent back to Myanmar camps: Police

Authorities in Myanmar have seized a boat carrying 93 people, apparently Rohingya Muslims, fleeing displacement camps in western Myanmar's Rakhine State and hoping to reach Malaysia, an official said on Tuesday.

The boat is believed to be the third bound for Malaysia stopped in Myanmar waters since monsoon rains began to subside last month, bringing calmer weather, raising fears of a fresh wave of hazardous voyages after a 2015 crackdown on people smugglers.

Moe Zaw Latt, director of the government office in Dawei, a coastal town in southern Myanmar, said fishermen had reported a "suspicious" boat to authorities.

The navy stopped the boat on Sunday and detained the 93 people, who said they had come from the Thae Chaung camp in the Rakhine State capital of Sittwe, he said.

Thae Chaung is about 900 km (560 miles) northwest of Dawei and holds internally displaced people, most of whom are stateless Rohingya.

"They said they ran away from the camp. They said they intended to go to Malaysia," said Moe Zaw Latt, adding authorities were preparing to send them back to Sittwe on Tuesday.

Photographs in media showed police standing by as passengers - many of them women in headscarves and children - huddled on the deck.

The boat resembled vessels the Rohingya typically use to escape the apartheid-like conditions in Rakhine State, where their movements and access to services are severely curtailed.

The UN&nbsp;refugee agency has said Myanmar must "address the root causes of displacement", including the lack of citizenship for the Rohingya, who consider themselves native to Rakhine State.

Myanmar regards Rohingya as illegal migrants from the Indian subcontinent and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps outside Sittwe since violence swept the area in 2012.

More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh last year fleeing an army crackdown in the north of Rakhine State, according to UN&nbsp;agencies.

UN-mandated investigators have accused the Myanmar army of "genocidal intent" and ethnic cleansing. Myanmar has denied most allegations of atrocities, blaming Rohingya insurgents who attacked police boats for sparking the exodus.

Myanmar officials say they are ready to accept Rohingya who want to return from Bangladeshi refugee camps. But refugees themselves and aid agencies oppose a repatriation plan that was due to begin on Nov. 15, saying conditions in Myanmar were not safe.

Myanmar detained 106 Rohingya men, women and children on a boat near the commercial hub of Yangon on Nov. 16, when their engine failed on their way from the Sittwe camps to Malaysia.

Those people have been returned to the camps, along with another group of more than 80 people whose boat was seized off the coast of southern Rakhine last week also bound for Malaysia, according to an aid worker in Sittwe monitoring the boat movements.

Authorities in Myanmar have seized a boat carrying 93 people, apparently Rohingya Muslims, fleeing displacement camps in western Myanmar's Rakhine State and hoping to reach Malaysia, an official said on Tuesday.

Authorities in Myanmar have seized a boat carrying 93 people, apparently Rohingya Muslims, fleeing displacement camps in western Myanmar's Rakhine State and hoping to reach Malaysia, an official said on Tuesday. The boat is believed to be the third bound for Malaysia stopped in Myanmar waters since monsoon rains began to subside last month, bringing calmer weather, raising fears of a fresh wave of hazardous voyages after a 2015 crackdown on people smugglers. Moe Zaw Latt, director of the government office in Dawei, a coastal town in southern Myanmar, said fishermen had reported a "suspicious" boat to authorities. The navy stopped the boat on Sunday and detained the 93 people, who said they had come from the Thae Chaung camp in the Rakhine State capital of Sittwe, he said. Thae Chaung is about 900 km (560 miles) northwest of Dawei and holds internally displaced people, most of whom are stateless Rohingya. "They said they ran away from the camp. They said they intended to go to Malaysia," said Moe Zaw Latt, adding authorities were preparing to send them back to Sittwe on Tuesday. Photographs in media showed police standing by as passengers - many of them women in headscarves and children - huddled on the deck. The boat resembled vessels the Rohingya typically use to escape the apartheid-like conditions in Rakhine State, where their movements and access to services are severely curtailed. The UN refugee agency has said Myanmar must "address the root causes of displacement", including the lack of citizenship for the Rohingya, who consider themselves native to Rakhine State. Myanmar regards Rohingya as illegal migrants from the Indian subcontinent and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps outside Sittwe since violence swept the area in 2012. More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh last year fleeing an army crackdown in the north of Rakhine State, according to UN agencies. UN-mandated investigators have accused the Myanmar army of "genocidal intent" and ethnic cleansing. Myanmar has denied most allegations of atrocities, blaming Rohingya insurgents who attacked police boats for sparking the exodus. Myanmar officials say they are ready to accept Rohingya who want to return from Bangladeshi refugee camps. But refugees themselves and aid agencies oppose a repatriation plan that was due to begin on Nov. 15, saying conditions in Myanmar were not safe. Myanmar detained 106 Rohingya men, women and children on a boat near the commercial hub of Yangon on Nov. 16, when their engine failed on their way from the Sittwe camps to Malaysia. Those people have been returned to the camps, along with another group of more than 80 people whose boat was seized off the coast of southern Rakhine last week also bound for Malaysia, according to an aid worker in Sittwe monitoring the boat movements.

Myanmar seizes boat carrying 93 fleeing Rohingya camps for Malaysia

Protesters in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state demonstrated Sunday against the planned repatriation of Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh, referring to them as "runaway refugees".

About 100 people led by Buddhists monks marched through the state capital Sittwe holding red banners and chanting slogans.

"All the people of the nation are responsible to protect the security of the country," one monk said, according to a Facebook live streaming of the protest.&nbsp;

"There will be no benefits to us or our country if we accept the Bengalis," he added, using a derogatory term for the Rohingya that falsely implies they are newcomers from Bangladesh.

The demonstration comes 10 days after Bangladesh and Myanmar were supposed to officially start repatriating members of the Rohingya minority who had fled violent military operations in August 2017.

Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh said Myanmar's armed forces raped women, murdered their relatives and burned down their houses in a bid to drive them out of the country for good after decades of persecution.

The deal to bring them back was struck a year ago but Rohingya in the camps fear returning without guarantees of citizenship, safety, and equal access to healthcare and education.

But they also are wary of hostility from the non-Muslim residents in Rakhine, many of whom are not eager for the Rohingya to return.

The Buddhist protesters in Sittwe on Sunday reflected that view, holding signs that included calls on authorities to "take action" against illegal immigrants and to not "allow resettling (of) the runaway refugees" in parts of northern Rakhine state.

UN investigators have called for Myanmar's top brass to be prosecuted on charges of genocide at the International Criminal Court or an ad hoc tribunal.

Myanmar denies almost all claims of atrocities and says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants.&nbsp;

Demonstrations against the Rohingya are not uncommon in Sittwe, where intercommunal violence broke out in 2012, killing hundreds and sending more than 120,000 Rohingya into internal displacement camps where most remain today.

Protesters in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state demonstrated Sunday against the planned repatriation of Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh, referring to them as "runaway refugees".

Protesters in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state demonstrated Sunday against the planned repatriation of Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh, referring to them as "runaway refugees". About 100 people led by Buddhists monks marched through the state capital Sittwe holding red banners and chanting slogans. "All the people of the nation are responsible to protect the security of the country," one monk said, according to a Facebook live streaming of the protest. "There will be no benefits to us or our country if we accept the Bengalis," he added, using a derogatory term for the Rohingya that falsely implies they are newcomers from Bangladesh. The demonstration comes 10 days after Bangladesh and Myanmar were supposed to officially start repatriating members of the Rohingya minority who had fled violent military operations in August 2017. Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh said Myanmar's armed forces raped women, murdered their relatives and burned down their houses in a bid to drive them out of the country for good after decades of persecution. The deal to bring them back was struck a year ago but Rohingya in the camps fear returning without guarantees of citizenship, safety, and equal access to healthcare and education. But they also are wary of hostility from the non-Muslim residents in Rakhine, many of whom are not eager for the Rohingya to return. The Buddhist protesters in Sittwe on Sunday reflected that view, holding signs that included calls on authorities to "take action" against illegal immigrants and to not "allow resettling (of) the runaway refugees" in parts of northern Rakhine state. UN investigators have called for Myanmar's top brass to be prosecuted on charges of genocide at the International Criminal Court or an ad hoc tribunal. Myanmar denies almost all claims of atrocities and says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants. Demonstrations against the Rohingya are not uncommon in Sittwe, where intercommunal violence broke out in 2012, killing hundreds and sending more than 120,000 Rohingya into internal displacement camps where most remain today.

Protest in Myanmar's Rakhine state opposes Rohingya return

As desperation swells in the squalid camps that are home to a million Rohingya refugees, long-dormant -- and often deadly -- trafficking networks are being revived, Bangladeshi officials warn.

Smugglers operating rickety fishing boats prey on the hopes of people who fled violence in Myanmar, charging them small fortunes for a dangerous journey to Southeast Asia, offering an empty promise of a fresh start.&nbsp;

The first vessel to depart Bangladesh for Malaysia since the end of the monsoon was intercepted by law enforcement, who warn others will follow.&nbsp;

Many in the heaving Rohingya ghettos of Cox's Bazar feel they have no other option but to try to escape, community leaders and aid workers say.

A deal to safely return the persecuted Muslims to Myanmar has failed, condemning them to limbo and deprivation in fetid camps where they are barred from leaving or looking for work to improve their lot.

Sensing a surge, coastguard patrols have been stepped up since the first boat was detected in November in the Bay of Bengal, said Ikbal Hossain, deputy police chief in Cox's Bazar.

Another boatload of refugees who fled a camp in Myanmar were found off the country's southern coast in November after spending 15 days at sea in a failed attempt to reach Malaysia.

"As the sea turns calm, the smuggling rackets have resumed their activities. But we have a zero tolerance attitude toward human trafficking," Hossain told AFP.

But he said traffickers were difficult to detect in the teeming hills where more than 720,000 Rohingya sought refuge after a brutal crackdown by the Myanmar military in August 2017.

Terrifying journey

Shabeda Begum, a 30-year-old widowed in what UN investigators called ethnic cleansing, said she was approached by another refugee offering to reunite her with a sister and brother-in-law in Malaysia.

The Muslim-majority nation hosts one of the largest overseas Rohingya communities, many of whom arrived by boat from Cox's Bazar until that smuggling pipeline was closed in 2015.

Begum was introduced to a Bangladeshi handler in the coastal town of Teknaf and arranged to get the required $120 from family in Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;

That secured Begum and her two children a spot aboard the crescent-shaped fishing boat crammed with 33 other refugees above and below deck.

"They promised my life would change if I could reach there with my kids," she told AFP despairingly from a plastic-roofed shanty.

Her son, seven-year-old Mohammad Riaz, recounted his terror as the creaking boat was tossed about in the churning sea.

"I was scared because the boat was bouncing on the waves. I thought I would fall overboard and into the sea," he told AFP.

Six traffickers were arrested in connection with the failed voyage, police said.

One told AFP the fishing trawler had been due to transfer the Rohingya to a bigger Malaysia-bound ship out at sea.

False promises

At its peak, transnational smuggling networks passed refugees from boat to boat before docking in Thailand and moving them overland to secret campsites in Malaysia.&nbsp;

That route collapsed in May 2015, when shallow graves were found at migrant holding camps along the Thai-Malaysia border.

As authorities closed in, traffickers abandoned boats in the Andaman Sea, leaving starving and dehydrated passengers to drift south.&nbsp;

No one knows exactly how many died in the transit camps or at sea.

Local authorities fear another exodus is looming, as traffickers return to old tricks to lure vulnerable refugees onto ships.

Mosammat Khadiza, a 16-year-old refugee, said her mother put her on board after traffickers promised that a wealthy Rohingya man in Malaysia would marry her.

"We were kept in a fish refrigerator inside the boat's hull for hours. We couldn't move inside the tight space," she told AFP.

The UN refugee agency UNHCR is running awareness campaigns in the camps about the dangers of trusting people smugglers and taking flimsy boats into the open ocean.

"We recognise that the continued maritime movements, despite the serious dangers, illustrate the desperation that people feel," UNHCR spokeswoman Caroline Gluck told AFP.

"Unless they believe there are other tangible solutions to their plight, Rohingya will continue to risk their lives on boats."

But amid grinding hardship, with little prospect of a brighter future, camp leaders say the promise of a better life elsewhere would be difficult to counter.

"This is not a life anyone would prefer," said Rohingya community leader Mohammad Osman.

"That's why they jump on boats without a second thought when approached by traffickers."

Despite her first setback, Begum has vowed to try again.

"I will look out for another chance. My brother-in-law promised to take care of us if we could only reach Malaysia," she said. 
&nbsp;

As desperation swells in the squalid camps that are home to a million Rohingya refugees, long-dormant -- and often deadly -- trafficking networks are being revived, Bangladeshi officials warn.

As desperation swells in the squalid camps that are home to a million Rohingya refugees, long-dormant -- and often deadly -- trafficking networks are being revived, Bangladeshi officials warn. Smugglers operating rickety fishing boats prey on the hopes of people who fled violence in Myanmar, charging them small fortunes for a dangerous journey to Southeast Asia, offering an empty promise of a fresh start. The first vessel to depart Bangladesh for Malaysia since the end of the monsoon was intercepted by law enforcement, who warn others will follow. Many in the heaving Rohingya ghettos of Cox's Bazar feel they have no other option but to try to escape, community leaders and aid workers say. A deal to safely return the persecuted Muslims to Myanmar has failed, condemning them to limbo and deprivation in fetid camps where they are barred from leaving or looking for work to improve their lot. Sensing a surge, coastguard patrols have been stepped up since the first boat was detected in November in the Bay of Bengal, said Ikbal Hossain, deputy police chief in Cox's Bazar. Another boatload of refugees who fled a camp in Myanmar were found off the country's southern coast in November after spending 15 days at sea in a failed attempt to reach Malaysia. "As the sea turns calm, the smuggling rackets have resumed their activities. But we have a zero tolerance attitude toward human trafficking," Hossain told AFP. But he said traffickers were difficult to detect in the teeming hills where more than 720,000 Rohingya sought refuge after a brutal crackdown by the Myanmar military in August 2017. Terrifying journey Shabeda Begum, a 30-year-old widowed in what UN investigators called ethnic cleansing, said she was approached by another refugee offering to reunite her with a sister and brother-in-law in Malaysia. The Muslim-majority nation hosts one of the largest overseas Rohingya communities, many of whom arrived by boat from Cox's Bazar until that smuggling pipeline was closed in 2015. Begum was introduced to a Bangladeshi handler in the coastal town of Teknaf and arranged to get the required $120 from family in Kuala Lumpur. That secured Begum and her two children a spot aboard the crescent-shaped fishing boat crammed with 33 other refugees above and below deck. "They promised my life would change if I could reach there with my kids," she told AFP despairingly from a plastic-roofed shanty. Her son, seven-year-old Mohammad Riaz, recounted his terror as the creaking boat was tossed about in the churning sea. "I was scared because the boat was bouncing on the waves. I thought I would fall overboard and into the sea," he told AFP. Six traffickers were arrested in connection with the failed voyage, police said. One told AFP the fishing trawler had been due to transfer the Rohingya to a bigger Malaysia-bound ship out at sea. False promises At its peak, transnational smuggling networks passed refugees from boat to boat before docking in Thailand and moving them overland to secret campsites in Malaysia. That route collapsed in May 2015, when shallow graves were found at migrant holding camps along the Thai-Malaysia border. As authorities closed in, traffickers abandoned boats in the Andaman Sea, leaving starving and dehydrated passengers to drift south. No one knows exactly how many died in the transit camps or at sea. Local authorities fear another exodus is looming, as traffickers return to old tricks to lure vulnerable refugees onto ships. Mosammat Khadiza, a 16-year-old refugee, said her mother put her on board after traffickers promised that a wealthy Rohingya man in Malaysia would marry her. "We were kept in a fish refrigerator inside the boat's hull for hours. We couldn't move inside the tight space," she told AFP. The UN refugee agency UNHCR is running awareness campaigns in the camps about the dangers of trusting people smugglers and taking flimsy boats into the open ocean. "We recognise that the continued maritime movements, despite the serious dangers, illustrate the desperation that people feel," UNHCR spokeswoman Caroline Gluck told AFP. "Unless they believe there are other tangible solutions to their plight, Rohingya will continue to risk their lives on boats." But amid grinding hardship, with little prospect of a brighter future, camp leaders say the promise of a better life elsewhere would be difficult to counter. "This is not a life anyone would prefer," said Rohingya community leader Mohammad Osman. "That's why they jump on boats without a second thought when approached by traffickers." Despite her first setback, Begum has vowed to try again. "I will look out for another chance. My brother-in-law promised to take care of us if we could only reach Malaysia," she said.

Fears of boat exodus as smugglers prey on Rohingya desperation

Bangladesh's plans to tackle the Rohingya refugee crisis are set to be stalled until the new year with repatriation and relocation programmes only likely be revisited after year-end general elections, a top Bangladeshi official said on Sunday.

Abul Kalam, Bangladesh's refugee relief and repatriation commissioner, told Reuters "a new course of action" needed to be adopted on repatriation that took into account refugees' key demands. He later clarified these were his own personal views and not those of the government.

More than 720,000 Rohingya fled a sweeping army crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state in 2017, according to UN&nbsp;agencies. The crackdown was launched in response to insurgent Rohingya attacks on security forces.

Rohingya refugees say soldiers and Buddhist civilians killed families, burned many villages and carried out gang rapes. UN-mandated investigators have accused Myanmar's army of "genocidal intent" and ethnic cleansing. Myanmar has denied almost all the accusations, saying its forces engaged in a counter-insurgency operation against "terrorists".

In late October, Bangladesh and Myanmar agreed to begin to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees who fled, but the plan has been opposed by the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and the UN&nbsp;refugee agency and aid groups, who fear for the safety of Rohingya in Myanmar.

The repatriation of the first batch of 2,200 refugees was to begin officially on Nov. 15, but it stalled amid protests at the refugee camps. None of those on the list agreed to return if their demands for justice, citizenship and the ability to go back to their original villages and lands were not met.

"I don't think anyone's agreeing to go back without these," said Kalam, who last week called on the international community to pressure Myanmar to accept certain "logical and acceptable" demands in order for any repatriation to take place.

Myanmar does not consider the Rohingya a native ethnic group and calls them "Bengalis", suggesting they belong in Bangladesh. It has agreed to take the Rohingya back and said they would need to accept the National Verification Card, which it says would allow Rohingya to apply for citizenship. The Rohingya reject the card, saying it brands them foreigners.

Kalam said he believed Myanmar needed to propose a "clearer path" to citizenship for the Rohingya if any returns were to take place, adding he would raise the matter at the next bilateral meeting on repatriation, likely to take place next month.

Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay was not reachable on Sunday for comment.

With Bangladesh now set to go to the polls on Dec. 30, any decision either to repatriate people, or relocate refugees from the crowded camps to Bangladesh's Bhasan Char island will not proceed until 2019, Kalam said, adding later a final decision had not been taken and it would be the government's call.

"Elections are coming up now, so the government will only finalise a future course of action after the elections," said Kalam.

Bangladesh has vowed not to force anyone to return and has asked the UN&nbsp;High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to ensure those short-listed to return really want to go back.

A UNHCR spokesman said it was not clear when repatriations could begin. "At this moment it's unclear, perhaps we can get clarity in the next few days."

Some Rohingya refugee leaders in Bangladesh said they were relieved Bangladesh had not forced refugees to return and called for the repatriation plan to be revised.

Kalam said construction work on alternative housing on Bhasan Char was "nearly complete." He said he was hopeful some refugees would agree to move, given the island's "livelihood opportunities" such as fishing and farming. Aid agencies express caution as the island is prone to flooding.

"The possibility of refugees being relocated to the island until elections are over is slim," Kalam later added.

Bangladesh's plans to tackle the Rohingya refugee crisis are set to be stalled until the new year with repatriation and relocation programmes only likely be revisited after year-end general elections, a top Bangladeshi official said on Sunday.

Bangladesh's plans to tackle the Rohingya refugee crisis are set to be stalled until the new year with repatriation and relocation programmes only likely be revisited after year-end general elections, a top Bangladeshi official said on Sunday. Abul Kalam, Bangladesh's refugee relief and repatriation commissioner, told Reuters "a new course of action" needed to be adopted on repatriation that took into account refugees' key demands. He later clarified these were his own personal views and not those of the government. More than 720,000 Rohingya fled a sweeping army crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state in 2017, according to UN agencies. The crackdown was launched in response to insurgent Rohingya attacks on security forces. Rohingya refugees say soldiers and Buddhist civilians killed families, burned many villages and carried out gang rapes. UN-mandated investigators have accused Myanmar's army of "genocidal intent" and ethnic cleansing. Myanmar has denied almost all the accusations, saying its forces engaged in a counter-insurgency operation against "terrorists". In late October, Bangladesh and Myanmar agreed to begin to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees who fled, but the plan has been opposed by the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and the UN refugee agency and aid groups, who fear for the safety of Rohingya in Myanmar. The repatriation of the first batch of 2,200 refugees was to begin officially on Nov. 15, but it stalled amid protests at the refugee camps. None of those on the list agreed to return if their demands for justice, citizenship and the ability to go back to their original villages and lands were not met. "I don't think anyone's agreeing to go back without these," said Kalam, who last week called on the international community to pressure Myanmar to accept certain "logical and acceptable" demands in order for any repatriation to take place. Myanmar does not consider the Rohingya a native ethnic group and calls them "Bengalis", suggesting they belong in Bangladesh. It has agreed to take the Rohingya back and said they would need to accept the National Verification Card, which it says would allow Rohingya to apply for citizenship. The Rohingya reject the card, saying it brands them foreigners. Kalam said he believed Myanmar needed to propose a "clearer path" to citizenship for the Rohingya if any returns were to take place, adding he would raise the matter at the next bilateral meeting on repatriation, likely to take place next month. Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay was not reachable on Sunday for comment. With Bangladesh now set to go to the polls on Dec. 30, any decision either to repatriate people, or relocate refugees from the crowded camps to Bangladesh's Bhasan Char island will not proceed until 2019, Kalam said, adding later a final decision had not been taken and it would be the government's call. "Elections are coming up now, so the government will only finalise a future course of action after the elections," said Kalam. Bangladesh has vowed not to force anyone to return and has asked the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to ensure those short-listed to return really want to go back. A UNHCR spokesman said it was not clear when repatriations could begin. "At this moment it's unclear, perhaps we can get clarity in the next few days." Some Rohingya refugee leaders in Bangladesh said they were relieved Bangladesh had not forced refugees to return and called for the repatriation plan to be revised. Kalam said construction work on alternative housing on Bhasan Char was "nearly complete." He said he was hopeful some refugees would agree to move, given the island's "livelihood opportunities" such as fishing and farming. Aid agencies express caution as the island is prone to flooding. "The possibility of refugees being relocated to the island until elections are over is slim," Kalam later added.

Rohingya repatriation, relocation plans to be pushed back to 2019: Bangladesh official

The UN has called for calm after several Rohingya Muslims were shot and wounded in a Rakhine state camp, in a raid linked to the failed escape of more than 100 of the stateless minority from the grim settlements.

Some 120,000 Rohingya have languished in displacement camps near Rakhine's capital, Sittwe, since riots in 2012.&nbsp;

Their movement, access to healthcare, work and education is severely restricted in conditions decried as amounting to apartheid by Amnesty International.

Rohingya refugees who fled a military crackdown to Bangladesh refuse to return to Rakhine without equal rights, citizenship and safety - fearing similiar long-term confinement if they do.

Villagers told AFP that four Rohingya were shot and wounded as Myanmar police entered the Ah Nauk Ye camp in central Rakhine state's Pauktaw township Sunday morning.

In an emailed statement Knut Ostby, head of the UN office in Myanmar, called for "calm, non-violence and restraint" in an area which can be accessed only with official permission -- but is believed to suffer from some of the worst conditions in the displacement camps.

One witness said that officers were trying to arrest two Rohingya suspected of links with a boat carrying 106 Rohingya that was found last week off the coast of Myanmar's biggest city Yangon.

The discovery fuelled speculation of a fresh exodus of Rohingya by boat.

The group, who told reporters they were trying to reach Malaysia, were taken back to Rakhine on Sunday by Myanmar's navy.

Noor Hakim, an Ah Nauk Ye resident, told AFP that the trouble started on Sunday soon after 20 police arrived and crowds gathered.&nbsp;

"I am not sure where the police shot but four people got injured and among them, one seriously," he said.

He added that one of the wounded was sent to Sittwe hospital.

Another man told AFP his son was hit on the left thigh.

Police in Sittwe declined to comment.

More than 4,000 people live in Ah Nauk Ye.&nbsp;

The NGO Solidarites International described it last year as a "natural environment unsuitable to human settlement", citing water shortages, hostile host communities, lack of proper shelter and toilets.

For years Rohingya have fled persecution in Myanmar by boat, usually starting around this time of year when the monsoon season ends.&nbsp;

But a crackdown on sea trafficking in 2015 closed the route.

The 720,000 Rohingya living in crowded camps in Bangladesh were last week supposed to begin the complex and controversial process of returning to Myanmar.

But they did not leave Bangladesh after an outcry that conditions in northern Rakhine were still dangerous.

The UN says Myanmar's generals should be prosecuted for genocide in connection with the army campaign that expelled the Rohingya.

Myanmar has denied almost all claims of abuse and says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants who attacked police posts.

The UN has called for calm after several Rohingya Muslims were shot and wounded in a Rakhine state camp, in a raid linked to the failed escape of more than 100 of the stateless minority from the grim settlements.

The UN has called for calm after several Rohingya Muslims were shot and wounded in a Rakhine state camp, in a raid linked to the failed escape of more than 100 of the stateless minority from the grim settlements. Some 120,000 Rohingya have languished in displacement camps near Rakhine's capital, Sittwe, since riots in 2012. Their movement, access to healthcare, work and education is severely restricted in conditions decried as amounting to apartheid by Amnesty International. Rohingya refugees who fled a military crackdown to Bangladesh refuse to return to Rakhine without equal rights, citizenship and safety - fearing similiar long-term confinement if they do. Villagers told AFP that four Rohingya were shot and wounded as Myanmar police entered the Ah Nauk Ye camp in central Rakhine state's Pauktaw township Sunday morning. In an emailed statement Knut Ostby, head of the UN office in Myanmar, called for "calm, non-violence and restraint" in an area which can be accessed only with official permission -- but is believed to suffer from some of the worst conditions in the displacement camps. One witness said that officers were trying to arrest two Rohingya suspected of links with a boat carrying 106 Rohingya that was found last week off the coast of Myanmar's biggest city Yangon. The discovery fuelled speculation of a fresh exodus of Rohingya by boat. The group, who told reporters they were trying to reach Malaysia, were taken back to Rakhine on Sunday by Myanmar's navy. Noor Hakim, an Ah Nauk Ye resident, told AFP that the trouble started on Sunday soon after 20 police arrived and crowds gathered. "I am not sure where the police shot but four people got injured and among them, one seriously," he said. He added that one of the wounded was sent to Sittwe hospital. Another man told AFP his son was hit on the left thigh. Police in Sittwe declined to comment. More than 4,000 people live in Ah Nauk Ye. The NGO Solidarites International described it last year as a "natural environment unsuitable to human settlement", citing water shortages, hostile host communities, lack of proper shelter and toilets. For years Rohingya have fled persecution in Myanmar by boat, usually starting around this time of year when the monsoon season ends. But a crackdown on sea trafficking in 2015 closed the route. The 720,000 Rohingya living in crowded camps in Bangladesh were last week supposed to begin the complex and controversial process of returning to Myanmar. But they did not leave Bangladesh after an outcry that conditions in northern Rakhine were still dangerous. The UN says Myanmar's generals should be prosecuted for genocide in connection with the army campaign that expelled the Rohingya. Myanmar has denied almost all claims of abuse and says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants who attacked police posts.

UN calls for calm after shots fired in Rohingya camp in Myanmar

Myanmar police shot and injured four <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aid-groups-say-rohingya-terrified-about-myanmar-repatriation-176532">Rohingya Muslims</a> on Sunday, after detaining two men accused of smuggling people out of a camp for displaced people in western Rakhine state, a witness and police told Reuters.

Some 20 police entered Ah Nauk Ye camp, about 15 km (9 miles) east of the state capital Sittwe on Sunday morning, apprehending the two men accused of owning a boat used in an attempt to smuggle 106 Rohingya out of the country on Friday.

The rickety vessel, which carried 25 children among its passengers, had been bound for Malaysia when authorities stopped it south of Yangon, detaining those on board. The incident, and similar recent boat departures, have raised fears of a fresh wave of dangerous voyages after a 2015 regional crackdown on people smugglers.

Maung Maung Aye, a 27-year-old Rohingya Muslim from the camp who witnessed the shooting, told Reuters four people were injured in the incident, with two of them in serious condition.

"People from the camp went out to look and police shot at people," he told Reuters by phone.

Police said the Rohingya surrounded them with swords and threw stones at them, injuring some officers.

"I heard that Bengali from the camp tried to grab the arrested people back from the police and police had to fire warning shots. I heard some Bengali got injured. I don't know the details," said police inspector Than Htay from a nearby police station.

Many people in Myanmar call the Rohingya "Bengali," implying they are interlopers from Bangladesh.

Maung Maung Aye disputed that version of events. He said the Rohingya did not attack the police or try to grab the arrested men. He said police fired at residents and not into the sky.

Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay did not answer calls seeking comment.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya have been confined to camps outside Sittwe since violence swept Rakhine in 2012. They are denied free movement, access to decent healthcare and education.

In August last year, Solidarites International, an international aid group, warned the conditions at Ah Nauk Ye, home to more than 4,000 Rohingya, were severe.

It said the "natural environment" at the camp was "unsuitable to human settlement" and warned of water shortages, poor access to livelihood opportunities and communal violence.

For years, the Rohingya have boarded boats organised by smugglers in the dry months between November and March, when the sea is calm. The perilous journey to Thailand or Malaysia, often undertaken in overcrowded vessels, has cost many lives.

The 106 Rohingya detained off Yangon on Friday were put on a navy ship destined for the Rakhine camps on Sunday.

More than 700,000 Rohingya fled a brutal army crackdown in the northern part of Rakhine last year, according to U.N. agencies. U.N. investigators have accused the Myanmar army of "genocidal intent" and ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar denies the allegations genocide, saying it was battling terrorists. Attacks by Rohingya insurgents preceded the army's crackdown that began in late August 2017.

Myanmar police shot and injured four Rohingya Muslims on Sunday, after detaining two men accused of smuggling people out of a camp for displaced people in western Rakhine state, a witness and police told Reuters.

Myanmar police shot and injured four Rohingya Muslims on Sunday, after detaining two men accused of smuggling people out of a camp for displaced people in western Rakhine state, a witness and police told Reuters. Some 20 police entered Ah Nauk Ye camp, about 15 km (9 miles) east of the state capital Sittwe on Sunday morning, apprehending the two men accused of owning a boat used in an attempt to smuggle 106 Rohingya out of the country on Friday. The rickety vessel, which carried 25 children among its passengers, had been bound for Malaysia when authorities stopped it south of Yangon, detaining those on board. The incident, and similar recent boat departures, have raised fears of a fresh wave of dangerous voyages after a 2015 regional crackdown on people smugglers. Maung Maung Aye, a 27-year-old Rohingya Muslim from the camp who witnessed the shooting, told Reuters four people were injured in the incident, with two of them in serious condition. "People from the camp went out to look and police shot at people," he told Reuters by phone. Police said the Rohingya surrounded them with swords and threw stones at them, injuring some officers. "I heard that Bengali from the camp tried to grab the arrested people back from the police and police had to fire warning shots. I heard some Bengali got injured. I don't know the details," said police inspector Than Htay from a nearby police station. Many people in Myanmar call the Rohingya "Bengali," implying they are interlopers from Bangladesh. Maung Maung Aye disputed that version of events. He said the Rohingya did not attack the police or try to grab the arrested men. He said police fired at residents and not into the sky. Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay did not answer calls seeking comment. Tens of thousands of Rohingya have been confined to camps outside Sittwe since violence swept Rakhine in 2012. They are denied free movement, access to decent healthcare and education. In August last year, Solidarites International, an international aid group, warned the conditions at Ah Nauk Ye, home to more than 4,000 Rohingya, were severe. It said the "natural environment" at the camp was "unsuitable to human settlement" and warned of water shortages, poor access to livelihood opportunities and communal violence. For years, the Rohingya have boarded boats organised by smugglers in the dry months between November and March, when the sea is calm. The perilous journey to Thailand or Malaysia, often undertaken in overcrowded vessels, has cost many lives. The 106 Rohingya detained off Yangon on Friday were put on a navy ship destined for the Rakhine camps on Sunday. More than 700,000 Rohingya fled a brutal army crackdown in the northern part of Rakhine last year, according to U.N. agencies. U.N. investigators have accused the Myanmar army of "genocidal intent" and ethnic cleansing. Myanmar denies the allegations genocide, saying it was battling terrorists. Attacks by Rohingya insurgents preceded the army's crackdown that began in late August 2017.

Myanmar Police shoot, injure four in raid on Rohingya camp: Witness

China supports the Myanmar government's efforts to protect domestic stability and approach to resolving the Rohingya issue, Premier Li Keqiang told the country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi, after US Vice President Mike Pence offered a strong rebuke.

Pence on Wednesday voiced Washington's strongest condemnation yet of Myanmar's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, telling Suu Kyi that "persecution" by her country's army was "without excuse".

Meeting Suu Kyi on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, Li said China attaches great importance to its ties with Myanmar and would build on their tradition of friendship, China's Foreign Ministry said late on Thursday.

"The Chinese side supports Myanmar's efforts in maintaining its domestic stability, and supports Myanmar and Bangladesh appropriately resolving the Rakhine state issue via dialogue and consultation," the ministry cited Li as saying.

China is "willing to provide the relevant parties with necessary support in this regard", he added, without elaborating.

More than 700,000 Rohingya refugees crossed into Bangladesh from western Myanmar's Rakhine state, UN agencies say, after Rohingya insurgent attacks on Myanmar security forces in August 2017 triggered a sweeping military crackdown.

The two countries agreed on October 30 to begin returning refugees to Myanmar in mid-November. The UN refugee agency has said conditions in Rakhine are "not yet conducive for returns".

China has close relations with Myanmar, and backs what Myanmar officials have called a legitimate counter-insurgency operation in Rakhine.

China's statement cited Suu Kyi as expressing thanks to China for the many times it has extended help to Myanmar, especially the constant understanding and support for the Myanmar peace process and the Rakhine issue.

A plan to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees to Myanmar stalled on Thursday, amid protests by refugees at camps in Bangladesh and recriminations between the officials in both countries. 
&nbsp;

China supports the Myanmar government's efforts to protect domestic stability and approach to resolving the Rohingya issue, Premier Li Keqiang told the country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi, after US Vice President Mike Pence offered a strong rebuke.

China supports the Myanmar government's efforts to protect domestic stability and approach to resolving the Rohingya issue, Premier Li Keqiang told the country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi, after US Vice President Mike Pence offered a strong rebuke. Pence on Wednesday voiced Washington's strongest condemnation yet of Myanmar's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, telling Suu Kyi that "persecution" by her country's army was "without excuse". Meeting Suu Kyi on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, Li said China attaches great importance to its ties with Myanmar and would build on their tradition of friendship, China's Foreign Ministry said late on Thursday. "The Chinese side supports Myanmar's efforts in maintaining its domestic stability, and supports Myanmar and Bangladesh appropriately resolving the Rakhine state issue via dialogue and consultation," the ministry cited Li as saying. China is "willing to provide the relevant parties with necessary support in this regard", he added, without elaborating. More than 700,000 Rohingya refugees crossed into Bangladesh from western Myanmar's Rakhine state, UN agencies say, after Rohingya insurgent attacks on Myanmar security forces in August 2017 triggered a sweeping military crackdown. The two countries agreed on October 30 to begin returning refugees to Myanmar in mid-November. The UN refugee agency has said conditions in Rakhine are "not yet conducive for returns". China has close relations with Myanmar, and backs what Myanmar officials have called a legitimate counter-insurgency operation in Rakhine. China's statement cited Suu Kyi as expressing thanks to China for the many times it has extended help to Myanmar, especially the constant understanding and support for the Myanmar peace process and the Rakhine issue. A plan to begin repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees to Myanmar stalled on Thursday, amid protests by refugees at camps in Bangladesh and recriminations between the officials in both countries.

China offers Myanmar support over Rohingya issue after US rebuke

Muhammad Abdul Kalam, the Commissioner of the Bangladesh Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission, stated that the Rohingya will not be forced to return to Myanmar on Thursday, the same day that the first scheduled repatriation was slated to take place.

"No one will be forced back to Myanmar. They survived atrocities so it's natural they fear to go back," the commissioner told Al Jazeera.

However, he further told Anadolu News Agency that the formal process has not been suspended, adding that the Bangladeshi government will resume talks with Rohingya to persuade them for their willful return.

Troops have been deployed at Rohingya camps in Bangladesh to prevent a violent breakout, while a protest was held by the Rohingya at Cox's Bazar against the forceful repatriation citing a risk to their lives in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

Earlier, Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi had been stripped of Amnesty's top honour, the Ambassador of Conscience Award, due to her stance on the "crimes against humanity committed by the military against the Rohingya," according to Amnesty`s Secretary General Kumi Naidoo.

Myanmar and Bangladesh had agreed on the repatriation of the Rohingya following the third Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting held last month, leading to concerns being raised by the international community, including the United Nations, who emphasised on the need for a dignified and voluntary return.

Myanmar was given a list of 22,000 Rohingya for repatriation by Bangladesh, out of which Naypyidaw agreed for the return of 5,000 Rohingya in the first phase scheduled for November 15.

Naypyidaw had previously signed an agreement with Dhaka to resettle around one million Rohingya currently living as refugees in Bangladesh.

Rohingya are a minority ethnic group in Myanmar, who are fleeing brutal military clampdowns and violence in their native country.&nbsp;

According to Amnesty International, the Myanmar security forces killed thousands, raped women and girls, detained and tortured men and boys and burned hundreds of homes and villages to the ground in the Rakhine state last year, forcing these individuals to flee for their safety.&nbsp;

Muhammad Abdul Kalam, the Commissioner of the Bangladesh Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission, stated that the Rohingya will not be forced to return to Myanmar on Thursday, the same day that the first scheduled repatriation was slated to take place.

Muhammad Abdul Kalam, the Commissioner of the Bangladesh Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission, stated that the Rohingya will not be forced to return to Myanmar on Thursday, the same day that the first scheduled repatriation was slated to take place. "No one will be forced back to Myanmar. They survived atrocities so it's natural they fear to go back," the commissioner told Al Jazeera. However, he further told Anadolu News Agency that the formal process has not been suspended, adding that the Bangladeshi government will resume talks with Rohingya to persuade them for their willful return. Troops have been deployed at Rohingya camps in Bangladesh to prevent a violent breakout, while a protest was held by the Rohingya at Cox's Bazar against the forceful repatriation citing a risk to their lives in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Earlier, Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi had been stripped of Amnesty's top honour, the Ambassador of Conscience Award, due to her stance on the "crimes against humanity committed by the military against the Rohingya," according to Amnesty`s Secretary General Kumi Naidoo. Myanmar and Bangladesh had agreed on the repatriation of the Rohingya following the third Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting held last month, leading to concerns being raised by the international community, including the United Nations, who emphasised on the need for a dignified and voluntary return. Myanmar was given a list of 22,000 Rohingya for repatriation by Bangladesh, out of which Naypyidaw agreed for the return of 5,000 Rohingya in the first phase scheduled for November 15. Naypyidaw had previously signed an agreement with Dhaka to resettle around one million Rohingya currently living as refugees in Bangladesh. Rohingya are a minority ethnic group in Myanmar, who are fleeing brutal military clampdowns and violence in their native country. According to Amnesty International, the Myanmar security forces killed thousands, raped women and girls, detained and tortured men and boys and burned hundreds of homes and villages to the ground in the Rakhine state last year, forcing these individuals to flee for their safety.

Bangladesh halts forced Rohingya repatriation

Diplomatic niceties have been in short supply for Aung San Suu Kyi at a summit in Singapore, where the one-time rights champion has been publicly chastised over her handling of the Rohingya crisis, compounding a dismal week for Myanmar's de facto leader.

Suu Kyi has refused to speak up for the Rohingya, a stateless, persecuted Muslim minority driven by violence into Bangladesh in huge numbers.

Her reticence on the issue has cut her adrift from the global rights community including the United Nations, whose investigators say last year's Myanmar army campaign amounted to genocide.

Many of the honours previously showered upon Suu Kyi for her stoic, peaceful resistance during years of house arrest by Myanmar's junta have been rescinded.

This week the bad news got worse.

On Monday Amnesty International, whose campaign to free Suu Kyi galvanised global recognition of her democracy struggle, stripped her of its highest honour over her "indifference" to the atrocities against the Rohingya.

One day later at a regional summit in Singapore, criticism replaced the garlands she has received on the global stage since steering her party into government in 2016.

Suu Kyi was castigated by Malaysia's premier Mahathir Mohamad at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meet, a forum better known for platitudes than admonishments.&nbsp;

"Someone who has been detained before should know the sufferings and should not inflict it on the hapless," the forthright Mahathir told reporters on Tuesday shortly before the summit opened.

"But it would seem that Aung San Suu Kyi is trying to defend what is indefensible," he added, ploughing through the summit's tradition of politeness.

Dialling up the awkwardness, Mahathir spent the entire summit next to Suu Kyi at photocalls, roundtables and dinners -- thanks to the alphabetical proximity of Malaysia and Myanmar.

"You can sense (her reception) is not the same as before," a Southeast Asia diplomat told AFP, requesting anonymity. "Everyone was expecting more from her."

The diplomatic siege deepened on Wednesday when US Vice President Mike Pence told Suu Kyi the "violence and persecution" against the Rohingya was "without excuse".

In reply Suu Kyi, who appeared wrong-footed by the directness of the public critique, retreated behind her usual position: the Rohingya crisis is an internal Myanmar affair.

"In a way, we can say we understand our country better than any other country does," she said.

The Nobel Laureate insists impartial domestic probes will establish any evidence of army abuses.

But Rohingya refugees say Myanmar will never provide real justice.

Fallen star

Myanmar's army has driven the Muslim minority out in waves and denies them citizenship and self-identification as "Rohingya", instead labelling them "Bengalis" -- illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh.

More than 720,000 Rohingya were forced to cross the border by a Myanmar army kickback against Rohingya militants last year.

They joined crowded refugee camps in Bangladesh, one of Asia's poorest and most populous countries.

The first families in an initial group of 2,000 were due to be repatriated on Thursday under a deal that has stalled due to fears the Rohingya will face persecution on their return.

But by the afternoon none had returned amid reports of intimidation and fear among the refugees, who do not want to go back without citizenship, security and property guarantees.

As the summit wound up on Thursday evening Mahathir told AFP Suu Kyi was regularly pressured by her fellow leaders on the Rohingya and their return throughout the meetings.&nbsp;

"They all were indirectly critical and they were concerned," he said. "They hoped that this return of the Rohingya will be safe."

Suu Kyi's defenders say her hands are tied by a power-sharing deal cut with the army that allowed civilian elections in 2015 but granted the military full control over all security matters.

A spokesman for Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) defended the party leader against the mounting flak in Singapore.

"If their pressure (on Suu Kyi) is because of 'Bengali' repatriation... we have already agreed to accept all who have lived in Myanmar," Myo Nyunt said. 
Suu Kyi still draws widespread support inside Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

But from Archbishop Desmond Tutu to veteran US diplomat Bill Richardson, she has shed friends in international circles over her intransigence on the Rohingya crisis.

And even gatherings in Asia -- where discretion and non-interference in perceived 'internal matters' of another country is a shibboleth of diplomacy -- no longer come with a guaranteed rock-star welcome.

"Her star has undoubtedly dimmed," another ASEAN diplomat told AFP, also requesting anonymity. "Her reception is not as warm as... (when) she still had that aura."

Diplomatic niceties have been in short supply for Aung San Suu Kyi at a summit in Singapore, where the one-time rights champion has been publicly chastised over her handling of the Rohingya crisis, compounding a dismal week for Myanmar's de facto leader.

Diplomatic niceties have been in short supply for Aung San Suu Kyi at a summit in Singapore, where the one-time rights champion has been publicly chastised over her handling of the Rohingya crisis, compounding a dismal week for Myanmar's de facto leader. Suu Kyi has refused to speak up for the Rohingya, a stateless, persecuted Muslim minority driven by violence into Bangladesh in huge numbers. Her reticence on the issue has cut her adrift from the global rights community including the United Nations, whose investigators say last year's Myanmar army campaign amounted to genocide. Many of the honours previously showered upon Suu Kyi for her stoic, peaceful resistance during years of house arrest by Myanmar's junta have been rescinded. This week the bad news got worse. On Monday Amnesty International, whose campaign to free Suu Kyi galvanised global recognition of her democracy struggle, stripped her of its highest honour over her "indifference" to the atrocities against the Rohingya. One day later at a regional summit in Singapore, criticism replaced the garlands she has received on the global stage since steering her party into government in 2016. Suu Kyi was castigated by Malaysia's premier Mahathir Mohamad at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meet, a forum better known for platitudes than admonishments. "Someone who has been detained before should know the sufferings and should not inflict it on the hapless," the forthright Mahathir told reporters on Tuesday shortly before the summit opened. "But it would seem that Aung San Suu Kyi is trying to defend what is indefensible," he added, ploughing through the summit's tradition of politeness. Dialling up the awkwardness, Mahathir spent the entire summit next to Suu Kyi at photocalls, roundtables and dinners -- thanks to the alphabetical proximity of Malaysia and Myanmar. "You can sense (her reception) is not the same as before," a Southeast Asia diplomat told AFP, requesting anonymity. "Everyone was expecting more from her." The diplomatic siege deepened on Wednesday when US Vice President Mike Pence told Suu Kyi the "violence and persecution" against the Rohingya was "without excuse". In reply Suu Kyi, who appeared wrong-footed by the directness of the public critique, retreated behind her usual position: the Rohingya crisis is an internal Myanmar affair. "In a way, we can say we understand our country better than any other country does," she said. The Nobel Laureate insists impartial domestic probes will establish any evidence of army abuses. But Rohingya refugees say Myanmar will never provide real justice. Fallen star Myanmar's army has driven the Muslim minority out in waves and denies them citizenship and self-identification as "Rohingya", instead labelling them "Bengalis" -- illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh. More than 720,000 Rohingya were forced to cross the border by a Myanmar army kickback against Rohingya militants last year. They joined crowded refugee camps in Bangladesh, one of Asia's poorest and most populous countries. The first families in an initial group of 2,000 were due to be repatriated on Thursday under a deal that has stalled due to fears the Rohingya will face persecution on their return. But by the afternoon none had returned amid reports of intimidation and fear among the refugees, who do not want to go back without citizenship, security and property guarantees. As the summit wound up on Thursday evening Mahathir told AFP Suu Kyi was regularly pressured by her fellow leaders on the Rohingya and their return throughout the meetings. "They all were indirectly critical and they were concerned," he said. "They hoped that this return of the Rohingya will be safe." Suu Kyi's defenders say her hands are tied by a power-sharing deal cut with the army that allowed civilian elections in 2015 but granted the military full control over all security matters. A spokesman for Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) defended the party leader against the mounting flak in Singapore. "If their pressure (on Suu Kyi) is because of 'Bengali' repatriation... we have already agreed to accept all who have lived in Myanmar," Myo Nyunt said. Suu Kyi still draws widespread support inside Buddhist-majority Myanmar. But from Archbishop Desmond Tutu to veteran US diplomat Bill Richardson, she has shed friends in international circles over her intransigence on the Rohingya crisis. And even gatherings in Asia -- where discretion and non-interference in perceived 'internal matters' of another country is a shibboleth of diplomacy -- no longer come with a guaranteed rock-star welcome. "Her star has undoubtedly dimmed," another ASEAN diplomat told AFP, also requesting anonymity. "Her reception is not as warm as... (when) she still had that aura."

Rohingya crisis besieges Suu Kyi at Singapore summit

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