Jitendra Singh hints no relaxation for Rohingyas

A day after the Supreme Court deferred hearing on Rohingya deportation case while suggesting the Centre to be sensitive to the plight of Rohingya Muslims, Union Minister Jitendra Singh hinted that the government will not deter from its stand.

Talking to ANI, Singh said that national security is the prime concern in the matter.

"The government has already made its viewpoint as far as Rohingya matter is concerned. Certainly it is the national security which should be the prime concern. In this matter very appropriate and serious view is called for," he said.

The apex court on Friday granted more time to all parties, in the Rohingya deportation case, to argue and posted the matter for further hearing till November 21.

The apex court, while hearing the submissions and arguments observed that national importance could not be secondary and at the same time, the human rights issue of these immigrants should also be kept in mind.

The top court observed that no deportation of any Rohingya refugees should take place, till the next date of hearing - November 21.

"We have to strike a balance," the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said.

A three-judge bench headed by Dipak Misra heard the petitions. The bench also comprised of Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud.

The apex court was hearing a plea, filed by two Rohingya immigrants, Mohammad Salimullah and Mohammad Shaqir, who claimed that they had taken refuge in India after escaping from Myanmar due to widespread discrimination, violence and bloodshed against the community there.