Conflict and Forced Migration: A study of Rohingyas settled in Jammu

Abstract

he Rohingya, a Muslim minority residing primarily in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state, have long faced persecution and discrimination by the country's Military Junta. Stripped of citizenship and fundamental rights under legislations such as the 1982 Citizenship Act, they have been subjected to religious extremism, conflict, and violence, prompting a mass exodus from their homeland. Reports from International Agencies highlight the gender-based violence inflicted upon Rohingya women, exacerbating the dire situation. Recent crackdowns by the Myanmar Army, marked by atrocities including rape and murder, have drawn condemnation from the United Nations, which has labeled the crisis a "textbook example of genocide." The 1982 Burmese citizenship law effectively rendered the Rohingya stateless, depriving them of basic rights and opportunities for legal migration. Consequently, many have sought refuge in neighboring regions, including Jammu in Northern India. This migration presents a case of social resilience and reflexivity, as Rohingya migrants adapt to new social, political, and cultural landscapes.This study delves into the complex socio-political landscape surrounding the settlement of Rohingya Muslims in Jammu, India. Drawing upon government data and reports from NGOs such as the Shekawat Centre, it examines the growing presence of over 13,700 foreigners, including Rohingya Muslims and Bangladeshi nationals, in the region. The population surge, particularly in Jammu, has sparked a political storm, with demands for deportation echoing from various quarters. Labeled as a security threat and a burden on limited resources, Rohingya settlements face harsh conditions marked by slum-like infrastructure and high surveillance by government agencies. The study highlights the fractured political opinions and hostile attitudes of the host population towards the Rohingya, complicating their integration into the social fabric of Jammu. Government initiatives for deportation underscore a growing perception of the Rohingya as a grave security risk, susceptible to exploitation by terrorist groups such as ISIS. However, interviews with Rohingya individuals reveal a contrasting narrative, with many expressing a desire for temporary refuge rather than permanent settlement.Furthermore, the detention of hundreds of Rohingya individuals, including women and children, by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has exacerbated humanitarian concerns. Families have been torn apart, with children left without guardians and access to basic necessities such as food and education compromised. This arbitrary action has drawn criticism for its humanitarian implications and its failure to address the underlying socio-economic challenges faced by Rohingya communities. The Rohingya settlement in Jammu represents a complex nexus of socio-political I tensions, security concerns, and humanitarian crises. Effective resolution requires a nuanced approach that balances security imperatives with respect for human rights and addresses the root causes driving Rohingya displacement and vulnerability. This study employs a phenomenological approach to explore the social dynamics of forced Rohingya migration and the subsequent readjustment of immigrants in Jammu. Through qualitative research methodologies including interviews, narratives, observations, life histories, and focus group discussions, the lived experiences of respondents have been documented. The study delves into the nuances of socio-political narratives and their legal implications on both the forced immigrant population and the host community, shedding light on the complexities of displacement and resettlement in the context of the Rohingya crisis.