Page 61 - IJPS-10-4

International Journal of
Population Studies Opinions on Rohingya refugees in India

focusing on two Indian newspapers, the Times of India and but also influences public opinion, as the population has
the Hindustan Times, reveals that these platforms tend to largely aligned with the government’s stance.
frame Rohingyas in India using the “intruder” narrative The findings of the survey suggest that the overall
(Awny, 2019). Mohanty’s study (2020) further asserts that perception of the Rohingya among Indians tends to be
visual media plays a role in constructing a negative portrayal significantly negative, even more so than the perception
of Rohingyas, contributing to the cultivation of a public of Muslims in general. The stance toward the Rohingya is
narrative tied to notions of nationalism (Mohanty, 2020).
strongly influenced by both voting preference and religious
Political leaders and media outlets wield substantial affiliation. Specifically, individuals who identify as Hindus
influence in molding public sentiment using and support the BJP tend to hold the most negative views
communication strategies that prompt citizens to consider toward the Rohingya. On the other hand, Muslims and
the matter from a particular perspective and internalize Christians exhibit more positive views, with Muslims
specific thought processes. In essence, these forces shape demonstrating a sense of solidarity and Christians
how people think about refugee-related matters and expressing compassion toward the Rohingya.
encourage them to adopt particular viewpoints. The Indian India’s overall stance toward the Rohingya reflects
population has adopted the government’s interpretation
and stance toward the Rohingya (and refugees in general) patterns seen in other Asian countries with significant
as their own. Perceiving them as potential threats or Rohingya migration, even though India has not seen a
dangers (not necessarily physical), the public tends to substantial influx of Rohingya refugees. This alignment can
either support or at least not oppose the government’s be attributed to India’s predominantly Hindu population
and the rise of violence against Muslims under the current
measures against the Rohingya. It is important to highlight government. The negative sentiments are further fueled
that this sentiment is not directed solely at the Rohingya by the association of Rohingya migration with the long-
but extends to refugees in general. The preferred policy standing issue of Bangladeshi migrants, which is viewed
option is to intervene to curb the influx of refugees. In line
with this approach, India has taken several steps regarding as an economic burden by the government. Resettling the
the Rohingya. In 2012, during a visit by then-External Rohingyas in India is divisive, with religious affiliation
Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid to Rakhine State, India playing a significant role. Hindus generally oppose
announced a relief assistance package of US$1 million for resettlement, while Muslims tend to support it. Notably,
Myanmar (Yhome, 2018). In 2017, India implemented a BJP supporters exhibit the least willingness to accept
project called “Operation Insaniyat” in Bangladesh to Rohingya resettlement. Since the Rohingya population in
provide relief assistance to Rohingya refugees (Ferdous, India is relatively small and dispersed, public opinion is
2021). This operation included multiple rounds of aid, more influenced by government rhetoric than by personal
delivering essential supplies such as rice, lentils, milk, experiences with the Rohingya themselves. As a result,
raincoats, gumboots, kerosene oil, and kerosene stoves. the Indian population largely adopts the government’s
According to Yhome (2018), Delhi’s decision to assist perspective, perceiving the Rohingya as a potential threat.
Rohingya refugees carried an underlying intention to While not actively endorsing government measures against
discourage their entry into India. In 2018, an agreement the Rohingya, Indians generally do not oppose them either.
between Myanmar and the UN was reached to facilitate Acknowledgments
the safe and voluntary return of hundreds of thousands of
Rohingya refugees, with India contributing by constructing Monika Verma extends her sincere gratitude to the Institute
250 houses for refugees in Rakhine State in preparation for of Social Research and Cultural Studies, National Yang-
their return (Yhome, 2018). Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan, for their invaluable
support during the field research on the case study of
5. Conclusion Rohingyas in India.
Historically, India has been known as a “safe haven” for Funding
refugees. However, in recent decades, India’s response to
incoming refugees has undergone a transformation. The This study is supported by funding from the European
current political climate has made it more difficult for Union’s (EU) research and innovation program
the Rohingyas to seek asylum in India. The government HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03-01 under grant
has implemented various restrictions on their entry and agreement No. 101079069, titled The EU in the Volatile
movement, significantly hindering their ability to find Indo-Pacific Region (EUVIP). This funding was provided
safety and security. This contemporary environment not by the EU. The views and opinions expressed in his article
only shapes the policies and laws concerning the Rohingya are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the

Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 55 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.2174