SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has directed the restoration of water supply to Rohingya immigrants, a day after authorities in Jammu launched a crackdown against property owners accommodating “undocumented” Rohingyas. This included the disconnection of water and electricity supplies and instructions for property owners to evict the immigrants within a month.
Chandigarh newspaper The Tribune reported that Jammu and Kashmir Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, speaking on Saturday, emphasised the government’s responsibility to provide essential services on humanitarian grounds. He stated that while the presence of Rohingyas presents a governance challenge, it remains the duty of a welfare state to ensure basic social security for all individuals under its jurisdiction.
“It is our responsibility to give electricity and water to the Rohingyas, and we will continue to do so,” the minister said, expressing surprise over the disconnection of water supply in the first place. He underscored the need to avoid measures such as cutting off ration, electricity, and water, calling for a more humane approach.
The crackdown, initiated on Friday, targeted 409 Rohingya families residing in areas such as Channi Himmat, Sunjuwan, and Narwal. Their water and power connections were severed, and property owners were warned to vacate their premises within a month. This action followed a tenant verification drive by police in the Jammu region amidst rising security concerns, including increased terror attacks on security establishments and civilians.
