STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Taking a strong note on the presence of illegal immigrants from Myanmar (Rohingyas) and Bangladesh, Public Opinion Forum (POF) on Monday alleged that process of settling Rohingyas and Bangladeshis in and around Jammu city is part of a conspiracy to change the demography of the region.
While chairing the monthly meeting of the forum, its President Parveen Sharma held the government and security agencies responsible for the creation of an unprecedented security and demographic issue for the people of Jammu region. He expressed apprehension that these immigrants can establish contacts with criminals and anti-nationals for making foothold in Jammu.
Expressing concern on large scale migration of Muslim population from the valley to Jammu region, Parveen said that a vigorous media campaign should be launched to spread awareness on the issue.
He informed that nearly 10,000 Rohingyas and 30,000 Bangladeshis are currently staying in Rajiv Nagar, Qasim Nagar, Railway Basti, Bathindi, Bagh e Bahu and Malik Market and have almost merged with the local Muslim population. “Their men-folk is working as labourers with various contractors and women are working as domestic helpers”, he said adding government agencies are providing them with basic sustenance needs and many NGOs and religious bodies are providing them monetary help. “They are being assisted to get Ration Cards and some have even obtained Aadhaar Cards with local help”, meeting alleged.
The meeting while quoting a report, divulged that there are six Madarsas for the children of these illegal immigrants settled in the city.
Citing Chief Minister Statement in Assembly that NGOs namely ‘Shikawat’ run by Mohammad-ul-Umar of Srinagar along with Rashid, SR Institute of Development of Rambagh (Srinagar) and Delhi based NGO Daji are helping Rohingyas in cash and kind from time to time, the meeting said that these revelations are worrisome.
Members pointed out that displaced persons from Muzaffarabad, which was part of Kashmir Province were not allowed to settle in Valley in 1947 and were diverted to Jammu; refugees from West Pakistan, are still being denied the state subject rights, whereas Muslim refugees from Tibet were provided all facilities to settle in Valley; KPs and other migrants from Valley are meeting resistance in their return back to the Valley; and there is strong opposition for building a Sainik Colony in the Valley for the retired army personnel of the State. While urging government to issue a white paper on their entry and settlement in Jammu, Parveen said that considering the sensitivity of the issue the Government should tackle it with utmost care otherwise it can have the potential to create serious law and order problem.
