The Demographic Concerns of Jammu: Unveiling Hidden Agendas
The settlement of illegal immigrants in Jammu, if left unchecked, could dilute the cultural and political dominance of the local population. This shift could have far-reaching implications
By Ramneek Manhas
The recent statements by former Chief Minister and National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah, advocating for the provision of electricity and water to Rohingya and Bangladeshi illegal immigrants settled in Jammu, have sparked widespread outrage and concern within the Hindu community of Jammu and Kashmir.
Intellectuals in J&K argue that granting benefits to illegal immigrants undermines the rights of local residents and risks escalating socio-economic pressures. Notably, this move of Dr Farooq Abdullah seen by many as an effort to alter Jammu’s demographic composition has highlighted deeper political and social concerns in the region.
A History of Betrayal
The roots of the present concerns can be traced back to the agendas pursued by political parties like National Conference (NC) and Congress during their rule in Jammu and Kashmir. Between 2008 and 2014, the settlement of Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants in Jammu was reportedly encouraged by these parties under the guise of humanitarian assistance. It is not that everything was fine before 2008; in fact, the groundwork for this agenda began in 1996 when Dr Farooq Abdullah came to power.
Many of these were provided with documents like Aadhaar card and ration cards, giving them a semblance of legitimacy. However, numerous documents belonging to illegal immigrants were revoked prior to the 2014 assembly elections, particularly in Gandhi Nagar assembly constituency, now known as Bahu assembly constituency. This also sparked concerns at the time about the motives behind the issuance of such documents.
According to recent reports, some NGOs are active in efforts to arrange marriages of Rohingya and Bangladeshi girls with local residents, so as to integrate these into the socio-cultural fabric of Jammu. If such efforts continue, it could have a deep and long-term impact on the demography, political and cultural identity of the region, which is extremely worrying.
Farooq Abdullah’s Duplicity
Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s this statement has further deepened mistrust among the Hindus of Jammu. While he occasionally participates in Hindu religious activities, chanting and singing Ram bhajans, seemingly to project an inclusive image, his actions suggest a contrasting narrative. His open support for illegal immigrants has highlighted what many perceive as a double standard aimed at appeasing specific voter bases.
Kashmiri leaders like Dr Abdullah continue to advocate for restoration of Article 370 and oppose the settlement of Indian nationals in Jammu and Kashmir, barring them from purchasing land. At the same time, they actively support the settlement of Rohingya and Bangladeshis in Jammu, even advocating for their welfare. This has been interpreted by many as an attempt to alter the region’s demographics, revealing an underlying agenda that deepens existing mistrust.
If Dr Abdullah and others truly sympathetic towards these illegal immigrants, the question arises: why not resettle them in Kashmir, which has ample land and resources? Their presence would not disrupt the Kashmir region’s demographic balance.
The irony is that they are unwilling to support this for Kashmir since it conflicts with their interests. Evidence of this emerged recently in two separate incidents over the past month or two, when around a dozen labourers from Bihar, who had come to work in Kashmir, were brutally killed. This is not the first such incident; many similar tragedies have occurred in the past also.
In the late 1980s, the National Conference (NC) and Congress indulged in large-scale election rigging, plunging Kashmir into anarchy and on the brink of destruction. While the entire Kashmiri society had to bear the brunt of the unrest, these rulers protected themselves from its disastrous consequences, turning the children of innocent common Kashmiris into terrorists, while grooming their own children to regain power.
Concern of Jammu people
The fears of Jammu following the same trajectory as Kashmir in the 1990s are not unfounded. The forced migration of Kashmiri Hindus from their homeland serves as a grim reminder of how demographic engineering can lead to irreversible consequences. The exodus was the result of a deliberate attempt to marginalise a community, and similar concerns are now being raised regarding the future of Jammu.
Political critics argue that the BJP has not shown enough seriousness in the matter. They believe that if the party had been more committed the situation could have been much better, especially when Jammu and Kashmir was under President’s rule from 2018 to 2024 following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A.
The fact cannot be ignored that these infiltrators are increasingly appearing in various parts of Jammu, often working as hawkers, electrician, and painters or engaged in other professions. For decades, such work in Jammu and Kashmir has been done mainly by people belonging from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh. Taking advantage of this, these infiltrators have managed to establish themselves in Jammu. When asked about their identity or origin by locals, they usually claim to belong to one of these states, effectively eliminating any scope for suspicion.
A systematic and well-organised effort to settle them in several states across India is rapidly progressing, which is being carried out with such precision that, there is no room for doubt. This issue requires a thorough discussion, which we will discuss later.
The settlement of illegal immigrants in Jammu, if left unchecked, could dilute the cultural and political dominance of the local population. This shift could have far-reaching implications for the region’s socio-political landscape, potentially leading to a loss of identity for the indigenous communities.
Hindu leaders associated with NC and Congress must introspect and evaluate their stance on these issues. Their continued association with parties perceived as working against the interests of Jammu’s majority population could alienate them from their own communities. It is high time for these leaders to priorities the welfare and aspirations of their people over political loyalties.
The people of Jammu must stay vigilant against attempts to alter the region’s demographics. Civil society, political leaders, and community organisations need to work collectively to safeguard the rights and identity of Jammu’s indigenous population. The central government must take appropriate and decisive action to resolve issues concerning illegal immigrants and their settlements. Only through unity and heightened awareness can the people of Jammu prevent their region from experiencing the same challenges faced by Kashmir.
