Rohingya Refugees Displaced by Eviction Drives in Indian-Administered Kashmir

Rohingya refugees in Indian-administered Kashmir faced intensified eviction drives in September and October 2026, leading to the displacement of hundreds of families and approximately 1,800 individuals from their homes[3][5]. These actions, primarily in the Jammu region, were officially attributed to unauthorized land use, though critics argue the stateless Muslim minority is being unfairly targeted[3][4]. This situation leaves many Rohingya without shelter and highlights their uncertain legal status in India.

What the records show

A high-level committee, chaired by retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navalkar, was constituted on May 26, 2026, to examine demographic changes and suggest measures[2][5]. This committee visited Jammu from August 10 to 12, 2026, gathering information on demographic shifts and illegal immigration, including visits to Rohingya settlements[2][5]. Government data presented to the committee in August identified 7,656 Rohingyas in Jammu and Kashmir[1][5]. On August 11, 2026, the Court of the district collector, Jammu, issued notices under Section 133-A of the Jammu and Kashmir Land Revenue Act, 1996[4]. These notices cited "unauthorized conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural use," specifically for “raising/constructing juggis and other structures” without permission, instructing landowners to clear properties rented to Rohingya families[4].

What changed and for whom

Following these notices, Rohingya families began dismantling temporary homes and shops in Narwal on September 15, 2026[4][7]. By September 18, 2026, areas like Kiryani Talab were largely deserted[4]. Mohammad Arif, a 29-year-old shopkeeper, expressed “pained resignation” after losing his home and livelihood for the second time[4]. On October 3, 2026, authorities demolished dozens of additional structures on forest land in the Raika area[8][11]. Abdul Khaliq, a Rohingya community elder, stated, "We didn't choose to come here. We came because we had to. We carry identity cards from the United Nations, but that means nothing here. We are tolerated, not accepted"[6][9].

What the subject has said publicly

Omar Abdullah, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir's top elected official, criticized the eviction drive on October 6, 2026[3][12]. He argued that Rohingyas were being “singled out without cause” and stated, “They must not be treated like animals. They are human beings"[3][12]. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged a “political conspiracy” behind the settlement of Rohingyas in Jammu[3][8]. The opposition Congress party has called for adherence to international refugee norms[3].

What we could not confirm

PrimaryBrief could not confirm the specific number of Rohingya families displaced beyond the estimate of 1,800 individuals[3]. The exact destinations or resettlement options made available to the displaced Rohingya families remain unconfirmed[7].