KashmirPolicy – Key Bills on Resettlement, Land Rights Set for Debate
KashmirPolicy – The second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s Budget session, beginning on March 27, is expected to bring several significant private members’ bills into focus, with lawmakers preparing for detailed discussions on issues ranging from the return of displaced communities to land ownership and alcohol regulation. The session will continue until April 4 and is likely to see strong exchanges across party lines.
Proposal Focuses on Return of Displaced Kashmiri Pandits
One of the most closely watched proposals is a bill introduced by PDP legislator Aga Muntazir Mehdi, aimed at facilitating the return of Kashmiri Pandits who left the Valley during the early 1990s amid rising militancy. The proposed legislation calls for the formation of a statutory body to oversee the process of reintegration.
According to the draft, the commission would include representatives from both Kashmiri Pandit and Muslim communities, along with professionals specializing in law, psychology, and conflict resolution. Its mandate would extend beyond physical relocation, placing emphasis on rebuilding trust, addressing trauma, and encouraging dialogue between communities.
The bill outlines measures to ensure that any return is voluntary and supported by adequate safeguards. It also proposes coordinated efforts in housing, employment, and welfare, alongside initiatives to preserve cultural heritage and promote long-term social harmony.
Land Rights Bill Aims to Protect Economically Weaker Sections
Another key proposal expected to be tabled comes from National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq, who plans to introduce a bill focused on land rights. The legislation seeks to provide legal protection to economically weaker residents who have been occupying state land for extended periods.
The bill is expected to address concerns over eviction, bring greater clarity to lease renewal processes, and prioritize land allocation for local residents and small entrepreneurs. Sadiq has also advocated for reinstating provisions of the earlier land grants framework that existed before amendments made in 2022.
The issue of land rights has remained contentious in the Assembly. A similar proposal brought forward last year by PDP’s Waheed Parra was rejected after failing to gain support from both the National Conference and the BJP.
Diverging Political Views on Land Ownership
Reacting to the latest development, Waheed Parra questioned the shift in stance by the National Conference, recalling that his earlier proposal was criticized and voted down. He indicated that his party would support the new bill if it genuinely addresses public concerns.
Parra emphasized that the central issue lies in the hardships faced by people living on various categories of state land, including grazing grounds and forest areas. He argued that individuals occupying small residential plots for years should be granted ownership rights, while clarifying that large-scale encroachments should not be regularized.
Proposal to Ban Alcohol Also Expected
In addition to these measures, a proposal to prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol in the Union Territory is also expected to be introduced during the session. The move is likely to generate debate, given the differing views on regulation and its social and economic implications.
Session Likely to Witness Intense Debate
With multiple sensitive issues on the table, the upcoming Assembly proceedings are expected to be marked by detailed discussions and political disagreements. The proposed bills touch upon long-standing concerns related to displacement, land security, and social policy, making them central to the legislative agenda.
As lawmakers prepare to deliberate on these matters, the outcome of the session could have a lasting impact on policy direction in Jammu and Kashmir.