Says they must be treated as humans, not animals
Urges GoI to resolve Rohingya refugee issue in J&K
JAMMU, Dec 09: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday described the issue of Rohingyas in Jammu and Kashmir as a humanitarian concern, urging the Government of India (GoI) to decide on their future.
Speaking to reporters after attending a function in Jammu, Omar stated, “If the GoI can send them (Rohingyas) back, it should. If not, they cannot be left to die from hunger or suffer in the cold.”
He emphasised that the GoI must clarify the course of action regarding the Rohingyas residing in J&K. “As long as they are here, they must be cared for. We cannot let them perish due to hunger or cold,” he added. Omar stressed that while the Rohingyas were not brought to J&K by the local government, they must be treated with dignity and humanity. “We cannot treat them as animals; they must be treated as humans,” he said.
On the issue of Statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, Omar reiterated his demand for its restoration. “We want Statehood, a promise made by the central government multiple times, including in Parliament,” he stated, emphasising that his government would continue to press for the return of Statehood.
Regarding the situation in Bangladesh, where Hindus are reportedly being targeted, Omar mentioned the existing tensions between India and Bangladesh. He referred to talks being held between India’s Foreign Secretary and Bangladesh, quoting former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee: “We can’t change our neighbours, and we must maintain good relations with them.”
