Srinagar: Democratic Azad Party (DAP) urged the Jammu Kashmir administration to withdraw the fresh land laws stating that these laws bar the extension of the lease to commercial properties in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement, DAP said that such laws are “anti-people” and will have serious economic consequences for local people. “The order is restricting the further extension of the lease. Who will government benefit now under the fresh laws? Why locals who are legally provided properties on lease are forced to hand over.”
The Lieutenant Governor Indian Administered Kashmir, notified fresh land rules, J&K Land Grant Rules (LGR)-2022 and replaced Land LGR-1960, which dealt with the special rules to grant government land on lease.
According to LGR-1960, no land shall be granted on lease to the person, who is not a permanent residence of the State. Lease will be accorded 40 years instead of 99 years as per LGR-1960, the leases of current land owners will not be extended in case of their lease expiry.
The government has asked the outgoing lease holders to evict properties or else face evictions under the new rules. An Indian government constituted expert committee will enlist all properties where lease had ended. It will be e-auctioned afresh through open bidding. It is appreciated that the new rules have hundreds of properties open for fresh auction, where outsiders could also participate. New land laws attack on Kashmiris
National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah termed it as “unfortunate and aimed at settling outsiders”. PDP leader Iqbal Tramboo claimed the move is to bring rich outsiders to buy prime property in J&K “at the cost of local businesses and their interests”. People of Indian Administered Kashmir expressed fears that no local could participate in the e-auction given the conditions business houses were in due to the uncertain situation of the past 30 years. New land laws attack on Kashmiris
A strong belief exists that only millionaires from outside will buy these properties and the locals, who hold these properties currently, will be forced to sell their personal properties. As per the economic expert’s view, the illegal Indian move is yet again a serious violation of HR and it will leave seven lakh locals unemployed and will hit Kashmir’s economy badly especially locals.
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