Omar Abdullah steped in for reversal of the Jammu district administration’s recent directive to disconnect water supply to Rohingya settlements, the Omar Abdullah-led Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered senior officials to restore the supply with immediate effect, citing humanitarian grounds.
Senior National Conference leader and Minister Javed Rana expressed dismay over the decision to cut water supplies, calling it “wrong and inhumane.” Speaking to reporters, Rana said, “I am surprised to learn that the water supply was cut. This is unacceptable. We are restoring it immediately on humanitarian grounds. Let the Union Government handle the larger issue concerning Rohingyas.”
The controversial move to sever water and electricity connections had been carried out a few days ago following an order from the Jammu district administration. Officials claimed the action was aimed at forcing the Rohingyas to leave the region and preventing further influx. The decision had sparked criticism for its potential violation of basic human rights, particularly as it targeted a vulnerable community.
While the Omar Abdullah government has stepped in to reverse the water disconnections, the broader policy towards the Rohingya population remains a contentious issue. The Union Government has been urged to address concerns surrounding their illegal settlement and the associated security implications, but the state administration emphasized the need to separate governance from basic humanitarian obligations.
With the water supply now ordered to be restored, attention is expected to shift to the Union Government’s next steps regarding the Rohingyas in Jammu, a matter that has drawn significant public and political scrutiny in recent months.
