Prez Kovind to handover dwelling units for displaced Rohingyas in Myanmar

New Delhi: In his first state visit to Myanmar, President Ramnath Kovind will handover 50 dwelling units for the displaced Rohingya people from the Rakhine state to the Government.

President Kovind will undertake three days state visit to Myanmar from December 11 to 13. Foreign Secretary Vijay K Gokhale while briefing newspersons said India is building 250 dwelling units for those displaced people. During this visit, President will hand over first 50 units. This handing over of dwelling unit will send a message to both Bangladesh and Myanmar Governments for the speedy return of the displaced Rohingya persons, he said.

The international community is still expressing concern about the law and order situation of the Rakhine state and reports say that the situation is still not conducive for the safe return for the displaced people. In fact, Rohingya people who are now staying in makeshift refugee camps refused to go back to Myanmar. When asked about the situation there, the Foreign secretary clearly said handing over of dwelling units and assessment of the ground situation was two different issue. He said, "I want to distinguish between development assistance for supporting Myanmar for building the necessary infrastructure for the displaced persons and situation in the Rakhine state."

He also said the India Government has noted the agreement reached between Bangladesh and Myanmar Government for the safe return of the displaced persons. India hopes that the agreement would be implemented soon and it's in India's interest that the displaced persons should go back to their respective places.

Indian President is visiting Myanmar after a gap of 12 years. The President will reach that country on December 10 and his official engagement would start from the next day. On 11th after ceremonial welcome President will have delegation-level talks which encompass a vast broad area of connectivity, security, and review of ongoing developmental projects funded by Indian LOC of about US$750 million. Many agreements are expected to sign after the talks which are still being negotiated.

The Press Secretary to the President, Ashok Malik, said three MPs from the NE states are accompanying the President and it proves the seriousness of implementation of Act East Policy of the India Government,

which directly benefits North Indian states. The MPs are Rameswar Teli, Rajen Gohain and Bhabananda Singh from Manipur.