A high-level government-appointed committee, tasked with examining demographic changes across the nation, commenced a three-day assessment in Jammu on Monday. The panel’s visit aims to scrutinize demographic patterns and associated issues within the region.
Upon their arrival, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat engaged in discussions with the committee members. A comprehensive presentation detailing Jammu’s demographic landscape and evolving trends was delivered to the visiting officials. The deliberations also encompassed specific areas that have reportedly undergone significant demographic transformations in recent years.
The four-member committee is scheduled to conduct consultations and undertake a thorough evaluation of various localities throughout its stay in Jammu, which concludes on August 12. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the committee’s mandate stems from a central government initiative announced last year. In May, the Union government established this high-powered committee, presided over by retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar, to investigate demographic shifts attributed to illegal immigration and other contributing factors, with the objective of proposing remedial measures.
The establishment of this committee was preceded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the “High-powered Demography Mission” on August 15 of the previous year, a proposal that received endorsement from the Union Cabinet on September 11. The committee comprises three distinguished experts: Durga Shankar Mishra, a retired Indian Administrative Service officer; Balaji Srivastava, a retired Indian Police Service officer; and Shamika Ravi. The Census Commissioner also serves as a member of this crucial body, with the Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I) from the Ministry of Home Affairs acting as the Member Secretary.
During its engagements in Jammu, the panel is expected to visit several areas, including settlements reportedly inhabited by Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals. Furthermore, the committee is slated to visit regions situated along the International Border, areas recognized for their sensitivity from both security and administrative standpoints. The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group originating from Myanmar, have reportedly entered India illegally via Bangladesh, seeking refuge in Jammu and other parts of the country following persecution in their homeland, according to official accounts.
Previous government data, as cited by officials, indicated that the number of foreign nationals, including Rohingya Muslims and Bangladeshi nationals, residing in the Jammu and Samba districts exceeded 13,700. This population segment reportedly experienced an increase of over 6,000 individuals between 2008 and 2016. A verification drive conducted by the police in March 2021 uncovered more than 270 Rohingyas, including women and children, living unlawfully within Jammu city. These individuals were subsequently housed in a holding center located within the Kathua Sub-Jail.
The presence of undocumented foreign nationals, particularly those from Rohingya and Bangladeshi communities, has previously elicited concerns from leaders within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and various right-wing organizations. These groups have advocated for the identification and subsequent deportation of individuals found to be residing illegally in the country. Their apprehensions have centered on issues pertaining to national security, the potential for demographic alterations, and the strain on local resources. The current visit by the government panel is anticipated to involve a detailed examination of demographic trends and the collection of vital input from government officials and other relevant stakeholders as a precursor to formulating its assessment and recommendations.
The committee’s work is critical in understanding the complex interplay of migration, security, and socio-economic factors that shape demographic compositions in sensitive border regions. Their findings are expected to inform policy decisions aimed at managing national borders and addressing the implications of irregular migration. The panel’s comprehensive approach, involving on-ground assessments and consultations with key administrative and security personnel, underscores the significance of the demographic changes being studied. The inclusion of visits to areas with significant foreign national populations, such as Rohingya settlements and border regions, highlights the committee’s focus on areas with heightened security and administrative considerations. The data on the increase in foreign national populations in Jammu and Samba districts, as previously reported, provides a quantitative basis for the committee’s investigation into demographic shifts. The past instances of illegal residency detection further emphasize the need for a thorough examination of the situation. The concerns raised by political and social groups regarding national security and resource allocation are integral to the context of the panel’s mandate. The committee’s objective is to gather factual information and expert opinions to provide a well-informed report to the government. The ongoing assessment in Jammu is a crucial step in this national endeavor to understand and address demographic dynamics.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.