Unhcr representation-rohingyas-bangalore

1. To 08/11/2020
The Chief of Mission
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
B-2/16, Vasant Vihar, 110057 New Delhi, India
Dear Sir/Madam
Subject: Information about harassment and assault on Rohingya families living in
Dasarahalli slum, Bangalore.
I wish to bring to your attention the harassment and assault on Rohingya families living in
Dasarahalli slum, Bangalore. The slum is located behind Government School in Dasarahalli. My name
is Zia Nomani, I work as Program Director in Law And Policy Research Institute (LAPRI) and State
Coordinator of Bonded Labour Liberation Front (Bandhua Mukti Morcha). I and my colleague Mr. R
Kaleemullah were informed about this incident on 05/11/2020.
As a brief introduction, 40 Rohingya families, including 60 men, 52 women and 13 children
live in Bangalore in a slum in a locality called Dasarahalli. This slum consists of people from
Bangladeshi community also. The Rohingya families have been living here approximately since 7
years. The community is mostly into rag-picking business. As per the latest information, very few of
the children go to government school nearby. All of them have been recognized as refugees by your
office and are UNHCR card holders. Out of the 145 Rohingyas, the refugee cards of many individuals
have expired. These individuals were unable to renew them due to the pandemic but shall make an
application for renewal.
The instant dispute pertains to a series of incidents that took place in October 2020. I have
been informed that on or about 27th October 2020, about 7 individuals, namely Mr. Hilal, Mr.
Masoom, Mr. Javed, Mr. Ali, Mr. Farooq, Mr. Kukan and one unknown person came to the Rohingya
settlement at around 5 pm and demanded a “hafta” or a regular fee as a license or permission for
them to carry on the rag picking work in the area. At that time, reportedly, few Rohingyas were
present and spoke with the above mentioned 7 individuals.
Mr.Anwar Hussain, Mr. Dilwar, Mr. Mohd Zubair, Mr. Abdul Salam, Mr. Mujibullah, Mr.
Mohd Zakir, Mr. Mohd Farooq and Mr. Arif refused to pay any money as license to carry on rag
picking work. It may be noted that the Rohingya community has been living in this settlement over
the last 7 years and have not faced such an illegal demand until now. Upon refusal, all of them were
brutally assaulted. One Mrs. Maryam, who is 6 months pregnant and other women including Mrs.
Arfa Begum, Mrs. Ismat Ara, Mrs. Minuwara and Mrs. Senuwara were also assaulted.
Mobile phones of victims, cash of Rs. 40,000/-, one gold chain, tarpaulin sheets and ration
was stolen by the assaulters.

2. With assistance of Law and Policy Research Institute, the above-mentioned individuals have
lodged an FIR with the Amrutahalli Police Station on 05/11/2020, a copy of which is annexed with
this letter.
The Rohingya community now fears that there might be a backlash on them as they have
taken steps against the illegal assault and harassment by the neighbouring community. In this
background, this representation requests UNHCR’s assistance:
1. To provide us/them with legal intervention through your implementing partner, Socio Legal
Information Centre, as and when required.
2. To assist us in conveying to the relevant authorities that as recognized refugees, we are
legally living in Bangalore.
3. To intervene suitably with relevant authorities so that the harassment of the community
stops and we are not required to pay any fee or penalty, by whatever name called, to carry
out the rag-picking work.
We thank you for your assistance. Please let us know if there is any further information that you
require to assist us suitable in this regard.
Yours sincerely,
Zia Nomani
Program Director, Law and Policy Research Institute (LAPRI)
(7892058379)