by RK Desk
JAMMU, India — September 18, 2026
Rohingya refugee families in Jammu are dismantling makeshift homes and leaving settlements after local authorities served notices on landowners requiring them to clear structures from their plots.
The eviction process has been reported in Narwal and adjoining areas, including Kiryani Talab and Burma Colony, where Rohingya families have lived for many years.
Residents were seen removing roofing sheets, wooden poles and other materials from their shelters and packing their belongings after landowners told them to vacate.
Several families said they did not know where they would move next.
According to Rohingya community sources who spoke to Rohingya Khobor, the current eviction drive has affected multiple settlements and a large number of families. The community provided estimates for the number of shelters and people affected, but Rohingya Khobor has not independently verified those totals.
Independent Indian media reports have confirmed that dozens of families in individual settlements have been ordered to leave within a few days.
In Kiryani Talab, one Rohingya resident told the Press Trust of India that families had been given three days to vacate. Residents there said shops were removed first and families were then told to dismantle their shelters.
In Burma Colony, residents similarly said landowners instructed them to leave after receiving notices from the administration.
Local officials cited by Indian media said notices had been served on landowners because some plots were designated for agricultural use and could not legally be sublet for residential purposes.
The notices were issued to property owners rather than directly to Rohingya residents, but the result has been the removal of refugee families living on the land.
Families uncertain where to go
Rohingya residents said many affected families do not have confirmed alternative accommodation.
Some have lived in Jammu for close to two decades and survive through daily labour and other low-paid work.
The displacement is creating particular concerns for children, older people and families with limited income, especially where they have no immediate access to shelter, water, sanitation or other basic services.
Local media reported that around 7,000 Rohingya refugees registered with the United Nations live in different parts of Jammu.
It remains unclear how many settlements will ultimately be cleared, how many people will be displaced by the current action, and whether the administration plans to provide alternative accommodation.
Rohingya community members have called for affected families to be given sufficient time and safe alternative shelter before further removals take place.
