Jammu, Dec. 19: In a crackdown against illegally settled foreign nationals (Rohingyas) and their facilitators for giving them shelter in some districts of Jammu province, over 40 people were detained or arrested for questioning, according to Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Jammu zone Anand Jain on Tuesday.
IGP Jain said, “Searches were conducted in over 30 locations in the Jammu district, and seven FIRs have been registered,” during a news conference held today at District Police Lines (DPL). In the district, more than 30 abettors have been held for interrogation; in the division, this total (arrests and detentions) is over forty. Overall, the division has received over ten formal complaints, and more inquiries are being conducted.
“In Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, and other districts, we have launched a similar crackdown against these illegally settled foreign nationals and the abettors or facilitators,” he said.
In response to questions regarding what would happen to the facilitators and whether or not foreign people who have moved unlawfully will be sent back to their home countries, the IGP said, “Legal action will be taken against them under the Act.”
He claimed that during searches in Jammu, information was found regarding account books, passbooks, rent agreements, Aadhaar cards (No. 379803635025) of a Rohingya woman who married a local boy, credit cards, mobile phones of both owners and Rohingyas, SIM cards given to Rohingyas by various individuals, revenue records of the owners where Rohingyas were staying, details about the water and electricity bills that linked the owners to the Rohingyas by providing them with amenities, vehicle RC details used by Rohingyas, and bank documents, among other incriminating materials.
He said “yes” when asked whether he thought there would be further arrests in this matter.
“Yes, given the ongoing investigation, further arrests in this case are probably imminent. Who are the people encouraging and helping them along the way? Who brought them here, and who made it easier for them to get these documents? These are all inquiries that need to be looked into. According to Jain, every connection is being looked at in order to identify those who have made it a business.
“Some cases have come to light where locals have married these foreigners,” the IGP said. A few of these individuals have been taken into custody, and further research is being done.
When asked whether JKP will seek assistance from the premier investigative agency (NIA) in this probe, IGP said, “A comprehensive approach will be taken in tackling this case,” noting that the NIA had recently undertaken nationwide raids and detained over 40 people in connection with human trafficking.
He said, “This is just the beginning of the process. We will investigate the matter thoroughly to identify everyone who is supporting these unlawful actions.”
“Through investigations and intelligence reports, it has come to light that certain elements have been involved in facilitating the illegal settlement of Rohingyas, posing potential threats to the security and socio-economic fabric of the UT of J&K,” he said, providing a detailed account of the background of the crackdown in Jammu and other districts of the province. In addition to posing security risks, the presence of undocumented and unauthorized people may put pressure on local resources.
“J&K Police have conducted targeted operations to identify and apprehend the facilitators involved in providing shelter to Rohingyas in response to these findings. “The measures implemented are compliant with legal provisions and are intended to preserve peace and order within the area,” he said.
He claims that in the district of Jammu, measures were taken against everyone who had assisted in giving refuge and government benefits to the non-citizens (Rohingyas).
Seven FIRs were lodged: FIR No. 270 of P/S Satwari, U/s 420/120 B/167/468/471/447 IPC, 14C Foreigners Act; FIR No. 352 of P/S Bahu Fort, U/s 420/120 B/167/468/471/447 IPC, 14C Foreigners Act; FIR No. 107 of P/S Bagh-e-Bahu, U/s 420/120 B/167/468/471/447 IPC, 14C Foreigners Act; FIR No. 184 of P/S Channi Himmat, U/s 420/120 B/167/468/471/447 IPC, 14C Foreigners Act; FIR No. 191 of P/S Nowabad, U/s 420/120 B/167/468/471/447 IPC, 14C Foreigners Act; FIR No. 370 of P/S Domana, U/s 420/120 B/167/468/471/447 IPC, 14C Foreigners Act; and FIR No. 527 of P/S Nagrota, U/s 420/120 B/167.
“In accordance with protocol, searches were carried out in front of judges at several non-citizen housing sites around the Jammu area, as well as at the facilitators’ residences. 39 abettors were also detained for interrogation after searches were carried out at around 40 sites near seven police stations, according to the IGP.
Four people were detained in Poonch, ten in Doda, and thirteen in Kishtwar. In addition, the Rajouri district also saw arrests.
