Rohingya refugees from Myanmar sheltering in India were rounded up earlier this month and forced off an Indian navy vessel into the Andaman Sea, according to reports from the United Nations and the New York Times. ANM native missionaries in the region who work among the Muslim minority people group have confirmed these reports.
“Unconscionable, unacceptable acts”
Approximately forty Rohingya refugees were reportedly given life jackets, forced into the sea, and made to swim to an island in Myanmar territory. Reportedly, the refugees survived the swim to shore, but little else is known about their condition or whereabouts. Other Rohingya refugees have not been deported but have been arrested and beaten severely before being released.
According to a May 15th press release from the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner “a UN expert has begun an inquiry into such ‘unconscionable, unacceptable acts’ while urging the Indian government to refrain from inhumane and life-threatening treatment of Rohingya refugees, including their repatriation into perilous conditions in Myanmar.”
As reported by the New York Times, “[t]he episode appears to be part of a broader crackdown as officials of India’s government used a moment of conflict with its neighbor Pakistan to expand a campaign of oppression against minority Muslims.”
A Plea from Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Some churches have been established among the Rohingya, and there is now a small but growing number of followers of Jesus. Our missionary partners have asked for prayer and financial support for Rohingya refugees who now, more than ever, fear for their safety. They are all desperately in need of safe housing, food, and medical care.
One of our native missionaries received this plea for help from a Christian pastor who works directly with the refugees.
I am writing to convey the urgent and distressing situation we are currently facing. Many of our people have been continuously arrested and detained for almost a week now, with some being deported to Myanmar. We are living in fear, unable to return to our homes, forced to stay elsewhere at great expense. The cost of rent has doubled, and we struggle to sustain ourselves, as we have been unable to work for days. Despite these hardships, we must still provide for our families and manage household expenses.
We are unable to return home for food, forcing us to eat outside, which further strains our limited resources. Many among us are suffering without any support, especially families with young children. While some individuals of other communities receive financial assistance through their support networks, we find ourselves completely without aid, struggling to meet even our most basic needs.
As of now, we are having to move from one location to another, which is costing us a lot. Over that our people who were kept in custody were beaten seriously and need medication, and now we contacted a lawyer … he said that he will provide us with shelter that will be protective for us, but we will have to pay for the space and everything there and we don’t even know how much the amount will be. Our people cannot work and do not have savings, and the current situation has become terrible for us. We are going through dire situations.
Therefore, we humbly request your prayers during this difficult time. If there is any way you can offer support or assistance, we would be deeply grateful. Your kindness in this moment of hardship will always be remembered.
Thank you sincerely, from the depths of our hearts.
How You Can Help
Join us in praying for the Rohingya refugees in South Asia, as well as our missionary partners. Pray specifically for peace, provision, and that ultimately God will use these terrible circumstances for HIs good and glory.
Donate to support these desperate people through our website. Select the dollar amount you want to contribute, click continue, and then specify “I’d like to support” 650GNN3002.
Thank you for joining with us to support refugees and native missionaries on the frontlines of global issues.
