The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly saw heated scenes on Friday after BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa claimed that a large amount of Jammu Development Authority (JDA) land had been illegally occupied in his constituency.
Randhawa said that about 16,212 kanals of JDA land in Jammu were under encroachment. Out of this, around 690 kanals were in his constituency. He further claimed that “around 90 percent” of this land had been encroached by people from Kashmir. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
His remarks caused strong protests inside the House, with several MLAs objecting to what they described as divisive comments.
Government Response
Minister for Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo, replying on behalf of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, said that encroachment is illegal whether it happens in Jammu or Kashmir.
She accused Randhawa of repeatedly raising a “Jammu versus Kashmir” narrative.
Itoo provided official figures, stating that:
- 688 kanals and 17 marlas of land in Tehsil Bahu
- 579 kanals in Tehsil Jammu South
were under illegal encroachment.
She added that these were old cases and action was being taken under the J&K Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1988 and other relevant laws.
Action Taken So Far
The Minister informed the House that since January 2025:
- 140 kanals and 11 marlas of land have been retrieved
- 34 anti-encroachment drives have been carried out in Bahu and Jammu South
To prevent future encroachments, fencing and signboards are being installed on recovered land.
She also said that JDA teams, including Junior Engineers and Patwaris, regularly inspect areas and report any fresh attempts to occupy land illegally. The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), Revenue Department, and local police assist when needed.
Action Against Officials
The Minister stated that strict action is taken against any JDA officer found involved in illegal activity. This includes warnings, suspension, red entries in service records, and stopping increments.
Political Reactions
Speaking outside the Assembly, Randhawa claimed the encroachment was part of a “sinister design” to change demography. He said he had no objection if people from Kashmir bought land legally in Jammu, but added that state land should not be grabbed.
His comments were criticised by several leaders.
MLA Sajad Lone condemned the remarks during a debate. PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para also criticised Randhawa, saying land issues should not be seen through a religious or regional lens.
Later, Minister Sakeena Itoo raised a point of order in the House, stating that Randhawa had allegedly said Kashmiri Muslims would not be allowed to settle in Jammu. Randhawa denied this, saying he only opposed illegal land grabbing, not lawful settlement.
National Conference MLA Altaf Kaloo said the statement had caused concern in Kashmir.Speaker A R Rather said the matter had been officially recorded in the proceedings of the House.
You Might Also Like:
At 13, This Kashmiri Boy Built 31 Apps and AI Tools
Delhi Court Convicts Kashmiri Separatist Asiya Andrabi in UAPA Case
Why Is Omar Abdullah Silent as a Kashmiri Shawl Seller Is Brutally Attacked in Uttarakhand?