In Jammu, the Dogra Front staged a protest against the settlement of Rohingya refugees in the region, demanding legal action against Jammu and Kashmir Minister Javed Ahmed Rana for his supportive remarks towards the refugees. Ashok Gupta, President of the Dogra Front, expressed concerns over local marriages with Rohingya women and efforts to permanently settle them, stating, “This is also a threat. Neither Rohingyas nor Bangladeshis can live here.” He questioned Minister Rana’s constitutional oath, asking, “How is he talking about settling them here?” and urged the Lieutenant Governor to file a case against him.
Minister Javed Rana emphasised the government’s responsibility to provide social security to all, including the Rohingyas, on humanitarian grounds. He directed the restoration of water and electricity supplies to refugee settlements, acknowledging awareness of illegal encroachments but stating, “We will not displace anyone as of now.”
Former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) echoed humanitarian concerns. Omar Abdullah remarked, “As long as they are here, we will have to take care of them… They are humans and should be treated like humans.” Farooq Abdullah added, “The Government of India sent the refugees here… It is our duty to give them water and electricity as long as they are here.”
Dogra Front: The Dogra community hails from the Jammu region, with a rich history of military service. The Dogra Regiment, established in 1887, is one of the Indian Army’s esteemed infantry regiments, tracing its roots to the British Indian Army’s 17th Dogra Regiment. The Dogras have a legacy of valor, having participated in both World Wars and various post-independence conflicts.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC): Founded in 1932 as the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference by Sheikh Abdullah, it was renamed JKNC in 1939 to represent all communities in the state. The party played a pivotal role in the region’s political landscape, advocating for democratic rights and social justice. Post-independence, JKNC was instrumental in the state’s accession to India and has remained a significant political force, with leaders like Sheikh Abdullah and his son Farooq Abdullah serving as Chief Ministers.
The Rohingya Issue:
The Rohingya, a Muslim minority from Myanmar, have faced persecution, leading many to seek refuge in neighboring countries, including India. In Jammu, their presence has sparked debates over security, legality, and humanitarian obligations. While some advocate for their protection and basic rights, others view their settlement as a security threat and call for their deportation. This dichotomy reflects the broader national discourse on refugees and illegal immigrants, balancing humanitarian concerns with national security and demographic considerations.
The Dogra Front’s protest and the ensuing political reactions underscore the complexities of refugee settlement in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where historical, political, and social factors intertwine.
