Jammu: Authorities have ordered the disconnection of electricity and water supply to an alleged illegal settlement of Rohingyas following complaints from local residents in Jammu city, a report said.
The settlement, which consists of numerous makeshift huts housing Rohingyas, is located on land that reportedly belongs to a resident from Rajouri district, according to officials.
The tehsildar of Bahu, Jammu, has directed the power development and public health engineering (PHE) departments to sever electricity and water connections to the Rohingya settlement near Nideesh Enclave in Channi Rama area.
“In this regard, you are instructed to disconnect electricity and water supply connections to the illegally occupied plots by the group of Rohingyas settled near Nideesh Enclave, Channi Rama, Jammu. Please report the action taken to this office,” stated the tehsildar in an official order, which was issued on October 9 to the executive engineers of PHE and PDD.
The order follows a formal complaint filed by the president of the Nideesh Enclave Residents’ Welfare Association.
The complaint urged the authorities to evict the Rohingya occupants, citing concerns over law and order, the report said.
Locals have also reported frequent disturbances and quarrels involving the Rohingya group, which have allegedly disrupted the peace in the area.
“According to the complainant, the Rohingyas often engage in loud arguments and fights, disturbing the local tranquility,” the complaint read.
However, a senior official from PHE department clarified that the water connection had not been disconnected, as it was legally provided to the plot owner.
“The connection is not illegal. The plot belongs to a resident of Rajouri, who has settled people there. The Tehsildar is responsible for taking action against the illegal settlers,” the official explained.
This is not the first instance of such action. In December 2024, authorities similarly ordered the disconnection of power and water supplies to slums where Rohingya refugees were residing in Jammu.
Government data reveals that over 13,700 foreign nationals, mostly Rohingyas and Bangladeshi nationals, are settled in Jammu and Kashmir. Their numbers have increased by over 6,000 between 2008 and 2016.
In March 2021, a police verification drive uncovered more than 270 Rohingyas, including women and children, allegedly living illegally in Jammu city. They were subsequently moved to a holding centre at the Kathua sub-jail.
