Centre’s Demographic Panel Begins Jammu Assessment, Reviews Population Trends With Top Officials
Panel Examines Rohingya Settlements, Suspected Bangladeshi Nationals; Field Visits to Key Areas Planned
JAMMU, AUGUST 11 (KNC): A high-level committee constituted by the Central Government to examine demographic changes in different parts of the country on Monday held an extensive interaction with senior civil and police officials in Jammu, with discussions centred on population trends, migration patterns and the settlement of foreign nationals in the Jammu region.
The committee, headed by Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar (Retired), is on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir as part of its broader mandate to assess the factors behind demographic changes and examine their social, administrative and security implications.
During the meeting, senior officials briefed the panel about the presence and settlement of Rohingyas from Myanmar and suspected Bangladeshi nationals at various locations across the Jammu region.
The committee was apprised of the reported period of settlement, the present status of such populations and the steps taken by the administration and security agencies to monitor and regulate their presence.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police BS Tuti, besides other senior officers.
Officials Brief Panel on Rohingya, Bangladeshi Population
During the interaction, officials informed the committee that the influx of Rohingyas into Jammu has been contained to the extent possible, while security and intelligence agencies continue to maintain vigilance against any fresh movement from other parts of the country.
The issue of suspected Bangladeshi nationals also figured prominently during the discussions, particularly in view of the recent detention of 21 Bangladeshi nationals in Banihal, who were reportedly attempting to travel towards the Kashmir Valley.
The authorities also briefed the panel about the administrative and security measures being undertaken to identify, verify and monitor such populations.
Committee to Conduct Ground Assessment
As part of its field assessment, the committee is scheduled to visit Qasim Nagar and other areas where Rohingya settlements have been reported.
The panel is also expected to visit Muralian, Jagti and other identified locations, besides the possibility of undertaking visits to selected border areas to obtain a first-hand assessment of the situation.
The committee may also interact with civil society representatives, organisations and individuals who have sought an opportunity to place their views before the panel regarding demographic changes and their perceived impact on the Jammu region.
The committee is scheduled to conclude its Jammu visit on August 12, following which it will continue its wider assessment.
Nationwide Study of Demographic Changes
The Central Government committee has been tasked with undertaking a comprehensive assessment of demographic changes across different parts of India, including changes linked to illegal immigration and other unusual population movements.
The panel will examine population trends among different religious and social communities, identify factors contributing to demographic changes and assess their social, economic, administrative and security implications.
Based on its findings, the committee will recommend policy, legislative and administrative measures to address issues identified during the course of its study.
Panel Given One-Year Tenure
The committee comprises the Census Commissioner, retired IAS officer Durga Shankar Mishra, retired IPS officer Balaji Srivastava, economist Dr Shamika Ravi and the Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I), Ministry of Home Affairs, who is serving as Member Secretary.
The panel has been assigned a one-year tenure, which can be extended by another six months. It will submit its findings and recommendations to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
As part of the nationwide exercise, the committee is also expected to visit West Bengal, Assam and several parts of the North-East, besides other States and Union Territories, to undertake a broader assessment of demographic developments and migration-related concerns.(KNC)
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