BJP demands CBI probe into settlement of Rohingyas, Bangladeshis in Jammu
The BJP on Monday appealed to Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to initiate a CBI probe into the rising number of Rohingyas and Bangladeshi settlers in Jammu city and surrounding areas. It termed their settlement as a major “political conspiracy”.
“The BJP will urge the Lieutenant Governor to initiate a CBI probe and lodge an FIR to comprehensively investigate this conspiracy. It must be determined who brought and settled the Rohingyas and Bangladeshis in Jammu, and stringent action, including prosecution and imprisonment, should be taken against them,” J&K BJP chief spokesperson advocate Sunil Sethi told reporters here.
Sethi claimed the BJP has been repeatedly raising questions on their entering Indian territory illegally, travelling thousands of kilometers, crossing half a dozen states and settling in Jammu. “The BJP believes the settlement of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis in Jammu, an area close to the international border, was done under a conspiracy,” Sethi said.
He called for a detailed investigation to identify those who facilitated the settlement of these individuals on government lands, provided them with water and electricity connections, and helped them obtain Aadhaar cards. “These people have even cast votes in local elections. These facts have now come to light,” he added.
Hitting out at political parties supporting them, Sethi said, “Indians residing in other parts of India cannot settle in Jammu and Kashmir, but these illegal immigrants were allowed to settle here based solely on religion.” Sethi alleged that these individuals pose a threat to national security as they have settled in areas close to the international border. “They were settled as part of a political conspiracy to create a vote bank,” he claimed.
The BJP leader said the nation should know which forces are working against its interests and prioritising political gains over national welfare. “The BJP demands the eviction and deportation of Rohingyas residing in Jammu, who have formed large settlements in the city. Illegally settling on the land of Jammu and Kashmir is a crime,” he added.
Sethi further said that evidence suggests Rohingyas and Bangladeshis are allegedly involved in local crimes, drug trafficking, and even cross-border terrorism.
Replying to a question about NC minister Javaid Rana’s directive to provide water supply to Rohingya settlements, Sethi said, “I want to ask the NC government and its minister Javaid Rana whether they will follow the law or if the law does not matter to them. As per the rules in Jammu and Kashmir, obtaining water or electricity connections requires a domicile certificate and legal possession of land. Are they unaware of this?” Criticising Rana, Sethi said, “Under the UN charter, decisions are made about who qualifies as a legal immigrant, but these individuals are illegal. There is no justification for providing them with water and electricity. Removing them from Jammu is essential for national security and efficient governance.” Sethi said that Rana supports these individuals based on their religion. “If they belonged to another religion, would his stance remain the same? This protection based on religion is part of a political conspiracy,” he said.
Cannot treat Rohingyas like animals, says Omar
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the Rohingya refugees must be treated like humans and not animals.
Abdullah said this during an event in Jammu when he was asked by media about the recent action of snapping of water and electricity connections to the houses and plots where Rohingya refugees are living in Jammu.
“Till the time the Central government decides what has to be done with the Rohingya refugees, they cannot be left to die in cold. We have to take care of them till the time a decision is not taken regarding them. We cannot treat them like animals as they are also humans,” Omar said.
Omar said that if the Central government can deport the Rohingyas then they should be sent back. “But if we cannot send them back, we cannot let them starve or freeze to death,” he said.
