TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, TDD,Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief Tariq Karra today expressed grave concerns over the ongoing identification process for Rohingya refugees, warning that it could lead to the inadvertent targeting and victimization of Indian Muslims in Jammu region and rest of the country.
Karra voiced his apprehensions, stating, “Our concern is that under the guise of addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis, Indian Muslims might become unintended victims. This is my worry for the Muslims of this country, as the policies of the BJP and RSS appear to be driven by an Islamophobic agenda.” He further alleged that these policies may result in even rightful Indian citizens being unfairly placed under scrutiny, which he described as deeply alarming.
The Congress leader criticized the ruling party’s broader approach, asserting that it extends beyond resolving the refugee issue. “It seems that legitimate residents of this country are being unfairly bracketed under this pretext,” he said, highlighting his concerns about the safety and rights of Indian Muslims in the current political climate.
Karra also said the state’s responsibilities towards refugees under international conventions, stressing the need to uphold humanitarian principles. “It is imperative to meet the basic day-to-day needs of refugees. Denying these essentials constitutes a violation of humanitarian obligations,” he said.
Karra’s statements reflect his fears of the identification process being misused to stigmatize certain communities and his call for a fair and transparent approach that balances addressing the refugee issue with protecting the rights of Indian citizens. His comments come at a time of heightened scrutiny and debate over the treatment of refugees and the potential socio-political implications of government policies. (TDD)
