Agency (New Delhi):
In a significant operation on December 19, 2023, Jammu police detained or arrested more than 50 people, including Rohingya immigrants and their local supporters, in a widespread crackdown aimed at addressing security and immigration concerns. This action involved multiple districts in the Jammu region and targeted illegal settlements and documentation practices.
Inspector General of Police, Jammu zone, Anand Jain, highlighted the initiative’s focus on national security and the safeguarding of Jammu and Kashmir’s socio-economic interests. The drive was characterized by raids on 30 Rohingya settlements within Jammu city, leading to over 30 detentions for questioning.
The operation extended beyond Jammu city, with 21 arrests made in Kishtwar, Ramban, Poonch, and Rajouri districts, and additional actions against Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals in Doda. The police also investigated local individuals who facilitated the settlement of these immigrants, including providing them with government benefits.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Jammu-Samba-Kathua range, Shakti Pathak, supervising the crackdown, stated that about 30 locations under seven police stations were searched. The police’s primary focus was on identifying those aiding and abetting the illegal immigrants.
The crackdown led to the recovery of several documents, including Aadhaar cards, ration cards, voter ID cards, and mobile phones, indicating the extent of illegal documentation practices. This operation underlines the government’s stringent approach to immigration and national security, addressing the complex issue of undocumented immigrants in the region.
The investigation, still in its early stages, promises to reveal further details and potentially lead to more arrests. The police’s commitment to a thorough probe into this matter, including possible human trafficking angles, reflects the seriousness with which the issue of illegal immigration and documentation fraud is being addressed in Jammu and Kashmir.