Nuh, Haryana: In a recent development, the Haryana Police have taken several Rohingya refugees into custody in connection with the recent communal violence that unfolded in Nuh district. Narender Bijarniya, the Superintendent of Police in Nuh, revealed that the Rohingya refugees had illegally occupied the land of Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran in Tauru, due to which a demolition drive was initiated. Some of them have also been identified for their alleged involvement in pelting stones and participating in the violent mob on July 31.
The demolition drive, which occurred on Thursday, resulted in the bulldozing of shanties located in the Rohingya camps situated in Nuh’s Tauru area. This move came in the aftermath of the Nuh communal violence.
“We have identified a list of individuals who were directly involved in the violence, and we have substantial evidence to support our claims. Based on this evidence, our teams have made the arrests,” Narender Bijarniya stated.
Sabber Kyaw Min, the founder and director of Rohingya Human Rights Initiative, an NGO dedicated to the welfare of the community, expressed concern over the unexpected demolition carried out by heavily armed forces. Most of the refugees residing in these camps work as rickshaw pullers, ragpickers, and vegetable sellers, trying to make ends meet.
Min conveyed that the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) officers had informed the refugees at the camp that they possessed a list of at least 17 individuals allegedly involved in the violence. Some of them were subsequently picked by the authorities for further investigation.
The sudden demolition and arrests have sparked fear and apprehension within the Rohingya community. Min emphasised that his NGO is committed to assisting the police in addressing any illegal activities involving refugees. However, he condemned the practice of conducting raids that make the refugees feel unsafe and harassed. According to him, this treatment amounts to an unfair practice and an act of discrimination against the community.
Rohingya refugees are predominantly Muslim and hail from Myanmar. They were forced to flee their homeland in 2017 due to targeted violence orchestrated by the government. Presently, there are around 16,000 UNHCR-certified Rohingya refugees in India, with the government estimating the total number to exceed 40,000, concentrated mainly in and around Jammu.
Prashant Pawar, the Deputy Commissioner of Nuh, stated that over 50 illegal properties occupied by the Rohingya refugees were identified across Nuh. The demolition drive was carried out by relevant agencies, with the police providing manpower and security.
As the situation unfolds, authorities are working to ascertain the extent of involvement of the arrested refugees in the communal violence, while organisations like the Rohingya Human Rights Initiative continue to advocate for the welfare and safety of the refugee community.
