Omar Abdullah criticizes Rohingya crackdown in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has criticized recent administrative actions against Rohingya refugees in the region, describing the crackdown as “sudden and unjustified.” Abdullah argued that while illegal entry from Bangladesh is a separate legal matter, the Rohingya—who fled persecution in Myanmar—were granted shelter in Jammu and Kashmir on humanitarian grounds.

The crackdown follows inspections by a Centre-appointed High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes. Reports indicate that landlords in areas such as Narwal, Channi Himmat, and Sunjuwan have been served notices to evict Rohingya tenants or face legal action. Human rights groups estimate that approximately 1,800 Rohingyas have already been rendered homeless, with some settlements facing disconnections of water and power.

Local authorities have reported that 7,656 Rohingya refugees reside in Jammu and Kashmir, with 6,737 in Jammu and 919 in the Kashmir Valley. Abdullah noted that the J&K Police, which is conducting verification and eviction drives, operates under the direction of the central government rather than the Union Territory administration.

Additionally, the Chief Minister addressed the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC), stating that the Jammu and Kashmir government would not implement it. He asserted that such legislation should be debated and enacted by Parliament.