Rohingya refugees: Who cares for us, after all, we are muhajirs

Hit hard by the recent fires, the problems for Rohingya refugees in the Kalindi Kunj area of the national Capital, the advent of the monsoon season doesn't spell happiness. Living in an alienated and dingy area of the city, their settlement is below the normal road level and therefore prone to accumulation of rainwater which in turn leads to vector-borne diseases.

One of the victims, Sanjita Begum, said, "When there were showers two-three days ago, the water got accumulated in our shelters up to the knee level. This place is full of animals. We killed a snake that day which entered our house in the rain. I have had two small daughters. One is seven years old and another is not even four yet. I am so much worried about them. There is no sanitation in this area." Sanjita, who is a single mother, lost her entire savings of an estimated Rs 60,000 accumulated over six years in the April fire. She is trying to cope with the situation alone like many others. She runs a small shop from her shelter to sustain herself.

The clan is living in a despicable state. They don't have access to potable water and sanitation facilities. The only source of water they have is from a hand pump. "For us, it is the cleanest source," said a person in his late sixties.

In the land of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is my family) and Atithi Devo Bhava (guest is god), 230 people --- 48 families and 90 children are yearning for a healthy refuge for the past six years. Rohingya refugees that migrated from their native place in 2012 have been struggling since then. "Many of our kin were killed in Myanmar. Most of the others went to Bangladesh. Those who did extra efforts reached India. India is a big and renowned nation. We had lots of hopes. But who cares for us, after all, we are Muhajir," said another refugee.

Another refugee said, "We lost everything in the fire except life. We restarted with the only clothes we were wearing. However, we are grateful to the almighty that there was no loss of life." With a heavy heart, he couldn' t speak as if he had a lump in the throat. "They (authorities) came here to put dengue prevention medicine in coolers around two months ago. The other day, they came and noted everyone's names. They have asked us to vacate this place. But where should we go? They haven't told us that. We just want refuge, that too temporary. Just till peace restores in Myanmar and we get our rights. We just want sustainable shelters and access to healthcare, sanitation and education," he said.