In Jammu, the Rohingya refugees face an alarming escalation of hostility, marked by targeted hate campaigns and arson attacks aimed at forcing them to leave the region. Having fled persecution in Myanmar, they now endure an environment of fear and insecurity in makeshift settlements that offer no protection from violence or exploitation.
Jammu is home to over 6,000 Rohingya refugees, who live in overcrowded slums under deplorable conditions. These settlements have increasingly become the focus of hate speech propagated by local groups and political factions, portraying the refugees as a demographic threat or security risk. Such rhetoric fuels xenophobia and incites hostility, exacerbating the refugees' already vulnerable situation.
The hate campaigns have escalated into direct violence, with frequent incidents of fires deliberately set in Rohingya camps. These acts of arson, aimed at destroying their homes and livelihoods, leave families homeless and terrified. Investigations into such incidents are often slow or inconclusive, fostering a climate of impunity. Local activists and rights groups claim these attacks are part of a coordinated effort to force the Rohingya out of Jammu and Kashmir.
Without legal recognition or support, the Rohingya are left defenseless against this rising tide of aggression. Many fear for their lives, with no viable options for resettlement or relocation. Urgent intervention is needed to address these hate campaigns and ensure protection for the Rohingya, upholding their basic human rights and preventing further acts of violence and displacement.
Water supply to one of the Rohingya camps that was recently destroyed by a fire. Rohingya have recently been victim of hate campaigns in Jammu & Kashmir where approximately 7,500 Rohingya live since 2012. Many are moving to other cities in India since 2017 fearing for their life. Narwal neighbourhood in Jammu, India, June 2017
Water tanks waiting to be filled, makeshift camp for Rohingya refugees in Jammu, India, June 2017
Rohingya child working as waste picker, a lot of Rohingya refugees work as waste collectors in Jammu. Jammu and Kashmir province, India, June 2017
Makeshift settlement for Rohingya refugees in Jammu, where an estimated 5,000 Rohingya live. Narwal, Jammu and Kashmir, India, January 2016
An estimated 7,500 Rohingya refugees live in Jammu in different neighbourhoods in makeshift camps and extremely dire conditions. Recently hate campaigns directed at them have put a serious doubt on their security. A lot are thinking of fleeing again. Bathandi camp in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir province, India, June 2017
An estimated 7,000 Rohingya refugees live in Jammu in different neighbourhoods in makeshift camps and extremely dire conditions. Recently hate campaigns directed at them have put a serious doubt on their security. A lot are thinking of fleeing again. Bathandi camp in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir province, India, June 2017
An estimated 7,000 Rohingya refugees live in Jammu in different neighbourhoods in makeshift camps and extremely dire conditions. Recently hate campaigns directed at them has put a serious doubt on their security. A lot are thinking of fleeing again. Malik market area in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir province, India, June 2017
Rohingya girl living in Narwal makeshift camp, Jammu, India, June 2017
An estimated 7,000 Rohingya refugees live in Jammu in different neighbourhoods in makeshift camps and extremely dire conditions. Recently hate campaigns directed at them have put a serious doubt on their security. A lot are thinking of fleeing again. Bathandi camp in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir province, India, June 2017
An estimated 7,000 Rohingya refugees live in Jammu in different neighbourhoods in makeshift camps and extremely dire conditions. Recently hate campaigns directed at them has put a serious doubt on their security. A lot are thinking of fleeing again. Malik market area in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir province, India, June 2017
Rohingya child working as waste picker, a lot of Rohingya refugees work as waste collectors in Jammu. Jammu and Kashmir province, India, June 2017
Narwal makeshift camp for Rohingya refugees, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir region, India, June 2017
An estimated 7,000 Rohingya refugees live in Jammu in different neighbourhoods in makeshift camps and extremely dire conditions. Recently hate campaigns directed at them has put a serious doubt on their security. A lot are thinking of fleeing again. Malik market area in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir province, India, June 2017
A lot of Rohingya refugees work as waste collectors in Jammu. Jammu&Kashmir Province, India, June 2017
A lot of Rohingya refugees work as waste collectors in Jammu. Jammu&Kashmir Province, India, June 2017
Rohinya woman and her daughter, refugees from Myanmar, part of the 7,000 Rohingya refugees that arrived in Jammu since 2013. Malik market area, Jammu, India, June 2017
An estimated 7,000 Rohingya refugees live in Jammu in different neighbourhoods in makeshift camps and extremely dire conditions. Recently hate campaigns directed at them has put a serious doubt on their security. A lot are thinking of fleeing again. Malik market area in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir province, India, June 2017
Rohingya children playing in Narwal, one of the neighbourhoods of Jammu accomodating Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Narwal, Jammu&Kashmir Province, June 2017
Narwal makeshift camp for Rohingya refugees, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir region, India, June 2017
