The Jammu and Kashmir administration’s decision to cut off power and water supply to Rohingya refugee families in Jammu has ignited a heated controversy, with strong opposition from local political leaders, including members of the Omar Abdullah-led government.

Over 400 Families Affected

According to the revenue department, 409 Rohingya refugee families will be affected by this move. These families predominantly reside in slums built on private properties and pay rent to property owners. The administration has identified seven clusters where the action will be implemented, and the process has already begun.

The decision has drawn criticism from Javed Ahmed Rana, the Jal Shakti Minister in the Omar Abdullah government. Rana has expressed his disapproval, asserting that the action is unjust, and the Central government is responsible for addressing the Rohingya issue. He also emphasized that, on humanitarian grounds, basic services like water and electricity should be provided to everyone.

Rana’s objection highlights the ongoing tensions between the administration of Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, and the Omar Abdullah-led government. The region currently operates under a hybrid governance model, with unclear power dynamics between the two authorities.

Political Fallout

Sources within the National Conference (NC) party indicated growing frustration with the LG’s office, which is seen as making key decisions independently of the elected government. However, NC leaders have been instructed to remain calm to avoid further complications in the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, a long-standing demand of the party.

Tanvir Sadiq, NC’s chief spokesperson, dismissed any notion of a rift between the Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister's office, describing the reports as baseless.

Rana, responding to the controversy, questioned why the department concerned was not consulted before the decision was made. "If this has already happened, the supply will be restored," he said, calling the action an administrative lapse. Voices from the Refugee Community A Rohingya man living in Jammu confirmed that power and water had been cut in some homes, expressing fears that others might face the same fate. "We are registered with the UNHCR and want to live here until conditions improve in Myanmar. Our situation is dire, and we have nowhere else to go," he said.

Rising Tensions and Allegations of Discrimination

Jammu has seen a growing campaign by right-wing groups seeking the expulsion of Rohingya refugees, and the latest decision to cut off basic utilities is seen as part of this broader effort. Local reports estimate the number of Rohingyas in Jammu at around 6,500, with refugees now spread across remote areas like Rajouri, Poonch, and Doda.

Last year, the Jammu police took action against individuals allegedly providing shelter to Rohingyas or helping them obtain government documents. The recent decision to cut off utilities is widely viewed by Rohingya activists as an attempt to force the refugees out of Jammu. The administration’s move follows growing intelligence reports pointing to the increasing presence of Rohingya families in the region. The Jammu police have already filed FIRs against landlords who rented properties to Rohingya families without informing the authorities, and the administration has made police verification of tenants mandatory.

Political Reactions

The Jammu and Kashmir BJP has welcomed the crackdown on Rohingyas, with senior party leaders such as Ravinder Raina and Kavinder Gupta demanding their expulsion. BJP Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary also questioned why the previous government had failed to act against the Rohingyas over the past decade.

This latest development highlights the continued friction between local political forces and the administration’s efforts to address the issue of Rohingya refugees, with implications for Jammu's political and social landscape. The issue remains highly sensitive, with competing narratives around humanitarian rights and national security concerns shaping the debate.