Jammu, Dec 10: National Conference (JKNC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said it is the Jammu and Kashmir government’s responsibility to provide basic amenities to the Rohingya refugees residing in the region, calling it a humanitarian duty.
Speaking to reporters a day after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah referred to the Rohingya issue as a humanitarian concern, Dr Abdullah said, “It is the responsibility of the Jammu and Kashmir government to ensure basic amenities like water and electricity for the Rohingyas living here.”
The former CM clarified that it was the Government of India that facilitated the Rohingyas’ settlement in Jammu and Kashmir. “We did not bring them here; it was the Government of India that brought them and settled them here. As long as they are here, it is our duty to ensure their welfare on humanitarian grounds,” he said.
The remarks come amid the Bharatiya Janata Party’s criticism of the Rohingya settlement in Jammu, with the party describing it as a “political conspiracy” and demanding a CBI probe to identify those who facilitated their settlement.
Dr Farooq also reiterated his demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, calling for a unified power structure in the region. “The double-engine government will not work here. Statehood must be restored as promised by the Government of India. There should be only one power centre in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Addressing atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, the NC chief urged the Central government to take appropriate action. “The Government of India must look into this matter,” he said.
Rohingya crisis shouldn’t be excuse to ‘victimise’ Indian Muslims: J&K Cong chief
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Tariq Karra has voiced his concerns regarding the identification process involving Rohingya refugees, fearing that it might lead to the victimisation of Indian Muslims “under the guise of” addressing the refugee issue.
Karra said, “Our apprehension is that under the cover of addressing the Rohingya crisis, Indian Muslims might become unintended targets. This is my concern for the Muslims of this country, as the current policies of the BJP and RSS appear to be driven by an Islamophobic agenda. There seems to be an attempt to bring even the rightful citizens of India under a questionable bracket, which is deeply worrying.”
Highlighting the broader implications of the government’s approach, the MLA Shalteng Central said, “The ruling party’s methods reflect a strategy that goes beyond addressing the plight of refugees. It seems that the legitimate residents of this country are being unfairly bracketed under this pretext.”
The J&K Congress chief touched upon the state’s responsibilities towards refugees, saying, “Under international conventions, it is imperative to meet the day-to-day human needs of the refugees. Denying these basic needs is a violation of humanitarian principles.” (KNS)
