The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) conducted a series of operations resulting in the detention of 74 Rohingyas from various districts.
The detainees, suspected to be living in the state without proper authorization, were taken into custody in six districts of western Uttar Pradesh, as reported by Prashant Kumar, Special Director General (Law & Order).
According to the press note issued by the police, Mathura emerged as the district with the largest number of detentions, where 31 Rohingyas, including 29 men and two women, were apprehended. Aligarh followed closely, with 17 Rohingyas detained, consisting of seven men and ten women. Hapur saw the detention of 16 Rohingya men and women.
ATS operatives also took action in Ghaziabad and Meerut, where four Rohingyas each were detained. In Ghaziabad, the detainees included three men and one woman, while those taken into custody from Meerut included two men and two minors. Additionally, two Rohingya men residing in Saharanpur were also apprehended during the drive.
A senior police official, speaking to Hindustan Times, estimated that there could be thousands of Rohingyas living in different parts of Uttar Pradesh. This recent crackdown comes amid security concerns raised by the Central Government, which highlighted potential linkages between some “unauthorized Rohingya migrants and terror organizations based in Pakistan and other countries.”
Beyond the existing security risks, authorities have expressed alarm over an organized influx of “illegal migrants” from Myanmar facilitated by agents and touts.
These Rohingya migrants are reportedly entering India through various routes, including Benapole-Haridaspur (West Bengal), Hilli (West Bengal), Sonamora (Tripura), Kolkata, and Guwahati.
The Centre Government, in an affidavit submitted to the Delhi High Court last year, warned that this situation poses a grave threat to the country’s national security.
