2023.07.25 (Vrindavan Today News): Even Braj is not safe from the Rohingya illegal immigrants. Around two and half dozens of Rohingya immigrants were nabbed in Mathura District alone during a statewide crack down by the U.P. Police. Altogether 74 Rohingyas were apprehended on Monday in the entire state of Uttar Pradesh.
The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) successfully apprehended 31 Rohingya immigrants in a swift and covert operation ordered by the state authorities. The Rohingyas were illegally residing in the dense forest of Ahlaipur village a few kilometers from Vrindavan. The Operation was carried out by the Anti Terrorism Squad based on the months of meticulous surveillance and intelligence inputs.
The detained group comprised 29 men and 2 women who had been living on leased farmland, where they had erected makeshift huts to call their home. Acting upon intelligence reports, the ATS teams from Agra and Lucknow descended upon the jungles of Jaint, Alhaipur, early Monday morning. The operation was executed under the purview of the Foreigners Act, leading to the confiscation of nine mobile phones from their possession.
For four years, these Rohingya immigrants had managed to evade the radar of law enforcement agencies, crossing the border from Myanmar to India’s territory illegally. Their presence in the region had not gone unnoticed by locals, who had been reporting sightings to the district police over time.
Officials and locals have expressed deep concern over this unauthorized settlement, fearing the potential security implications and socio-economic ramifications. These illegal residents had reportedly been engaged in the trading of scrap materials, making their living off the waste and debris scattered around the vicinity.
While ATS officials have been well aware of their presence, the breakthrough finally came when a local intelligence unit cooperated with ATS and shared crucial information about the group’s activities.
Upon their arrest, the region erupted with curiosity and tension, with a significant presence of police and ATS personnel ensuring the situation remained under control. Some locals revealed that some residents had been providing support and sustenance to the Rohingya immigrants by sharing their ration and clothes during their stay.
It’s important to note that the ATS has been proactive in addressing such matters, having previously apprehended around 40 Rohingya immigrants. However, in an effort to be sensitive towards vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children below the age of 12, and elderly individuals, these detainees are being kept under supervised observation rather than being incarcerated.
During the investigation, it was discovered that the detained Rohingya individuals did not possess valid passports or travel visas, raising questions about their means of entry into Indian Territory.
This incident has reignited the debate surrounding immigration and border security, urging authorities to adopt a more stringent approach in safeguarding the nation’s boundaries. The fact that these immigrants managed to evade detection for such an extended period also raises concerns about potential security loopholes that need to be addressed promptly.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the state authorities will handle the legal proceedings concerning the apprehended Rohingya immigrants. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for constant vigilance and robust border control measures to maintain the sovereignty and security of the nation.
