Will consult before taking up Rohingya issue: J&K Governor

NEW DELHI: Newly appointed Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has said though the BJP has a categorical view that Rohingyas staying in the state are illegal immigrants who should be deported, he will take any step on the issue only after talking to various political parties and locals.

Malik, a career politician who contested the 2004 Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket and has been a member of the party since then, is in the process of settling down into his new job.

However, he has hit the ground running with some measures and announcements that are aimed at reaching out to the people.


“It has been just a few days since I took over. The BJP stand is there but I can take a stand (on the Rohingya deportation issue) only after talking to the people. A BJP delegation and later a Congress delegation will be meeting me.

However, there is no agenda for these meetings,”Malik told ET on phone. On the demand for scrapping of Article 35 (A) that gives special rights to permanent residents and is seen as an attempt to protect the demographic profile of the state, Malik said a call would be taken later.

Asked if there is any plan to improve cross border trade, he said, “I am busy with the Panchayat and local bodies’ elections. It is still early for me (to talk about the welfare measures that should be taken). But I want to give a good, responsive and sensitive administration.”