18 more Rohingyas detained; count at Kathua holding centre reaches 197

The detained Rohingyas include 100 women and 97 men, all above the age of 18 years.

Even as verification of illegal Rohingya immigrants in Jammu remained halted for the third consecutive day, 18 more immigrants were shifted overnight to the Hiranagar sub jail — a temporary holding centre in Kathua district — taking the total number of inmates to 197 on Tuesday.

Rohingya refugees stand outside their makeshift camp on the outskirts of Jammu, (AP Photo)

“The number of inmates at the holding centre is now 197. The figure had gone up to 199, but a couple was let off,” said an official, who didn’t wish to be quoted. The detentions have been made under section 3(2) e of the Foreigners Act since the immigrants were not found with valid travel documents required in terms of section (3) of the Passports Act, said a police official.

The detained Rohingyas include 100 women and 97 men, all above the age of 18 years. There is no child in the holding centre, the official said, adding that food is being given to them as per the jail manual.

“Now, they are being allowed to make phone calls to their family members living within the UT. Police have been asked to bring their clothes from their families in various clusters,” they added.

Director general of prisons VK Singh also visited the sub-jail on Tuesday and interacted with the detained Rohingyas. He also reviewed the arrangements made for them. The Hiranagar sub-jail can house 325 inmates.

A Rohingya in Kiryani Talab camp said they were not asked to appear for the verification process at MA Stadium on Tuesday. “It appears that the process has been put on hold or has been slowed down. However, three to four policemen came to the camp and asked us to hand over clothes of some detainees,” he said.