RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat cautions nation against asylum to Rohingya

Nagpur : Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said that the links between Rohingya and Jihadi elements are coming to light and if such elements come to India, they may have an impact on the security situation.

"The links between Rohingya and Jihadi elements are coming to light. If such elements come to India, they may have an impact on our security situation. Why do the Rohingya want to come to India? We need to study their background. They will not only be a burden on employment but also pose threat to our national security. We had not even completely solved the problem of Bangladeshi intrusion when Myanmar's problems have been heaped on us," Bhagwat said during a Vijayadashami rally organised by the RSS in Nagpur.

Ahead of his speech, Bhagwat had also conducted Shastra Puja (weapons worship).

"The state governments of Kerala and West Bengal seem to be lending a helping hand to the anti-national forces for petty political interests. Jihadi forces active there. We have been facing problem of illegal Bangladeshi migrants and now Rohingyas have infiltrated into our country. Any decision regarding Rohingyas should be taken by keeping in mind threat to national security. We have not even completely solved problem of Bangladeshi intrusion when problem of Myanmar has been heaped on us," he said.

In view of ongoing violence in Rakhine State of Myanmar, which has triggered an outflow of Rohingya Muslims, various security arrangements have been put in place across the region to prevent infiltration of illegal immigrants.

In a bid to study the ground reality and for preventive security measurements, the Centre has asked Joint Secretary (Northeast) Satyendra Garg and Special Secretary (International Security) Rina Mitra to review the security situation along India's border with Myanmar. The review would also include overseeing activities at the Indo-Myanmarese Commercial Trade Centre and the Indo-Myanmar Friendship Bridge.

The officials also met officers and security personnel of 11 Assam Rifles and inquired about frisking of traders and commuters at the security check-post.

The Centre had earlier filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court on deportation of Rohingya Muslims from India and said that the illegal influx of the refugees will adversely affect the fundamental rights of Indian citizens and cause a threat to the national security.

Former deputy prime minister and veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani on Saturday attended the Vijayadashami rally organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). Sangh observers were curious about the visit as Advani visited the city after a long gap.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present to attend the Vijayadashami Utsav.

In the same event, Bhagwat expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in yesterday's rush-hour stampede at Elphinstone railway station's foot overbridge, wherein 22 people were killed and over 39 seriously got injured.

"I am deeply saddened by yesterday's incident. My condolences to families of those who lost their lives," Bhagwat said.