New land laws in Jammu and Kashmir put an end to old land leases and are criticized by political parties

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File photo of Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha | Photo credit: PTI

The new land laws of the administrations of Jammu and Kashmir have terminated the right of landlords to keep rental properties in the Union Territory (UT) and plan to outsource these properties online again. This decision, however, was the subject of strong criticism from regional parties.

The Lieutenant Governors (LG) Administration notified the J&K Land Grant Rules 2022 to replace the J&K Land Grants Rules 1960, which had a liberal lease policy such as a 99-year, extendable lease period. Most of the hotels located in famous tourist spots in the valley and prime commercial structures in the twin capitals of Jammu and Srinagar are on leasehold land.

The new laws state that all leases except current or expired residential leases, including leases granted under the J&K Land Grants Rules 1960, notified area (all established development authorities in the tourism sector) Land Grants Rules, 2007 and leases expired or determined before the entry into force of these rules or issued under these rules will not be renewed and will remain determined. The LG administration plans to hold new online auctions to outsource these rental properties.

All outgoing tenants would immediately turn over possession of the leased land to the government or the outgoing tenant would be evicted, officials said.

Defending the move, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said necessary changes were being made to land laws for the convenience of the popular masses. Land laws here were regressive. They were not designed taking into account the interests of the popular masses. About 40 to 45 percent of cases brought before various courts are due to land disputes, LG Sinha said.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Mehbooba Mufti said the move only revealed the true designs of the BJP. The whole purpose of removing Section 370 was to deprive us of our resources and our lands. This is in line with what Israel is doing in Gaza. These hoteliers and businessmen were the backbone of our economy. Its direct attack on our economy and aimed to settle foreigners. This is evident in leasing land to military families, Ms. Mufti.

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah also opposed the move. It’s unfortunate and aims to settle foreigners. If the government wants to bring foreigners here, we have no objection, but the first right belongs to those who were already settled here, Mr Abdullah said.

Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone said the policy was not on par with the rest of the country. This may well begin the dark chapter of blatant othering of Kashmiris. Rental rules across the world and in India are quite simple and similar. But these are different and not without motives, Mr. Lone said.

Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party Chairman Altaf Bukhari called the move draconian and inhumane. Never seen such laws anywhere in the world. The owners of the land are evicted. It must be treated and managed appropriately. These new land laws cannot be implemented and will not be allowed to be implemented, Bukhari said.

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