Pawan Kalyan Says Rohingyas Snatching Job Opportunities Of Andhra Pradesh Youth

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan highlighted the challenges posed by the settlement of Rohingya refugees in Vijayawada, asserting they contribute to local unemployment and pose a risk to internal security. He emphasized the critical role of police vigilance, surpassing even that of border security forces, to manage this issue effectively. Kalyan pointed out that certain elements within the administrative framework were aiding in the Rohingya's permanent settlement, necessitating a more stringent surveillance approach.

Kalyan, who leads the Jana Sena Party, aired his concerns during a press interaction at Gannavaram airport. He underscored the vulnerability of southern states to terrorism and the imperative to enhance coastal surveillance. He revealed having penned a letter to state police and administration officials, urging them to be on high alert, especially in the wake of detected terrorist activities within the state. "In light of traces of terrorist activities in the state, I have requested the DGP, through a letter, to ensure the state police remain highly vigilant. I have instructed them to coordinate with the administration and take strict action against those linked to terrorist activities. Proper surveillance of migrants can help prevent potential dangers. There is also a need to increase continuous monitoring and surveillance along the coastal areas. In the past, there were reports of outsiders arriving by boat in Kakinada," Kalyan elaborated on the preventive measures suggested.

Further shedding light on the issue, Kalyan mentioned that a significant influx of Rohingya refugees into Andhra Pradesh occurred around 2017-18, primarily seeking employment as goldsmiths. This migration, originating from Myanmar, has intensified competition for jobs among local youths, sparking demands for prioritizing locals in employment opportunities-a rallying cry during the formation of Telangana.

The Deputy Chief Minister raised concerns over how Rohingya refugees manage to cross borders and acquire critical Indian identification documents like ration cards, Aadhaar, and voter IDs, which facilitate their permanent settlement. He questioned the system's laxity that permits such occurrences and pointed out the apparent assistance from individuals within the system to the Rohingyas. "The negligence of the system in allowing Rohingya to establish permanent residency is evident. Questions arise about how they are obtaining Aadhaar, voter, and ration cards and who is facilitating this. It is clear that some individuals within the system are assisting them," he expressed.

To address the issue, Kalyan has called for heightened awareness and action to prevent Rohingya refugees from becoming citizens and taking over opportunities meant for the local population. He has written to authorities, urging them to monitor the systems enabling Rohingya settlements closely and to implement additional security measures.