The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed uproar on Friday after BJP member Vikram Randhawa alleged that people hailing from the Kashmir Valley had encroached upon government land in Jammu city.
Raising the issue during Question Hour, Randhawa claimed that habitations belonging to Valley residents had come up on land owned by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and the government. He alleged that nearly 90 per cent of such encroachments involved people from the Valley and demanded immediate action. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
“We have no problem if Kashmiris purchase land and construct their houses in Jammu, but they should not build on government land,” he said, further claiming that over 16,000 kanals of JDA land were under encroachment in Jammu.
Government’s Response
Replying on behalf of the Chief Minister, Social Welfare Minister Sakina Itoo said that, as per available records, 688 kanals and 17 marlas in Tehsil Bahu and 579 kanals in Tehsil Jammu South were under illegal encroachment.
“These encroachments are old and are being removed as per the provisions of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act and other relevant laws,” she said.
The minister informed the House that since January 2025, authorities have conducted 34 anti-encroachment drives in Tehsils Bahu and Jammu South, retrieving 140 kanals and 11 marlas of JDA land.
She also stated that fencing and signboards have been installed to prevent fresh encroachments, while teams comprising junior engineers, patwaris and other field staff regularly monitor vulnerable areas.
Heated Exchange
Randhawa’s remarks triggered protests from ruling National Conference (NC) members, who objected to what they described as an attempt to give the issue a regional colour.
Itoo rejected the allegations, asserting that encroachment issues should not be viewed through a regional lens. “Jammu and Kashmir should not be divided on such grounds,” she said.
Amid the heated exchange, Randhawa walked into the well of the House holding documents and demanded the immediate removal of encroachments.
Action Against Officials
On action against erring officials, the minister said appropriate measures — including warnings, departmental proceedings, red entries in service books, suspensions and withholding of increments — have been taken against delinquent officers.
She added that red entries were made in the service books of Pankaj Sambyal and Romesh Kumar for their alleged involvement in encroachment of JDA land in Tehsil Jammu South.
Itoo emphasized that accountability is fixed strictly in accordance with the law after due verification and following prescribed procedures.
Allegations Outside the House
Later, speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, Randhawa alleged that the government was withholding the list of encroachers because they belonged to the Valley.
“Why has the government failed to provide me with the list?” he asked, reiterating his demand for transparency and immediate action.
The issue underscores the sensitivity surrounding land and regional identity in Jammu and Kashmir, as authorities continue anti-encroachment efforts across the Union Territory.
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?