New Delhi, 14 September 2004
The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India has conveyed to the National Human Rights Commission that they have no objection to the Burmese refugees who demonstrated outside the UNHCR premises in New Delhi on 12 November 2003, staying in India till their refugee status is confirmed by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, unless there is a serious allegation against them of in criminal activities or breaking the law of the country.
The clarification was in response to comments sought by the NHRC from the Secretaries, Ministry of External Affairs and Home Affairs, Government of India and Commissioner of Police, Delhi in regard to the allegations made in the complaint filed by the Asian Centre for Human Rights of police torture and the arrest of Burmese on 12 November 2003 while demonstrating outside the UNHCR premises in New Delhi.
The Additional DCP, South District had already submitted a report on 14 January 2004 stating that the Police had resorted to use of minimum force to disperse the uncontrolled and violent demonstrators.