Contrary to central assurances to leave the demography untouched, new land laws paving way for any Indian citizen to buy land in JK introduced

Srinagar, Oct 27: Quite contrary to assurances from central dispensation, even at the level of Prime Minister Narendar Modi that abrogation of Article 370 is not meant to change the demography of Jammu and Kashmir, the government in Delhi has gone ahead with introducing the new land law, under which any citizen of India can buy land in Jammu and Kashmir.

News agency KDC has learnt from sources that the ministry of home affairs in its release stated that the order will be called the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Adaptation of Central Laws) Third Order, 2020.

The new law will pave the way for any citizen of India for buying land in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladlkh.

The order stated, “The General Clauses Act, 1897 applies for the interpretation of this Order as it applies for interpretation of laws in force in the territory of India.”

The new land law throwing land in Jammu and Kashmir open for sale to any citizen of India has come despite many central assurances extended that abrogation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir is not aimed at changing its demography of the state, but the introduction of new land law suggests that anyone from outside the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir can purchase land here, which would be a turning point as for as the demography of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is concerned.

Pertinently, ahead of October 31st deadline, the center has extended a set of new laws in Jammu and Kashmir, most notable are the land laws, opening J&K lands to any citizen of India.

Worthwhile to mention is that there have been subsequent assurances, at the level of Prime Minister Narendar Modi to the contrary.

One such public assurance on the protection of land rights was to Jammu and Kashmir Apni Part (JKAP), when the party members met the Prime Minister in March this year.

Infact after the meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah the next day MHA had issued a formal statement suggesting that the party was assured of protection of land and existing demography.

These assurances are on record; however the fresh land law notification suggests that the center has finally decided to go against these assurances, which was a matter of concern for people from all the regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. (KDC)