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| 3,700 kanals of Kashmiri migrants’ land retrieved from encroachers in Valley | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 28: The Jammu and Kashmir government has retrieved over 3,700 kanals of land belonging to displaced Kashmiri Pandits across the Kashmir Valley, stepping up its efforts to reclaim properties that had long remained under encroachment.
The large-scale retrieval drive was launched following thousands of complaints from Kashmiri migrants residing in different parts of the country. Authorities initiated action under the Jammu and Kashmir Migrant Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection, and Restraint of Distress Sales) Act, 1997.
According to an official document tabled in the Legislative Assembly, a total of 3,129 kanals and 4 marlas of land have been retrieved and restored across the 10 districts of the Valley. The exercise was carried out under the supervision of Deputy Commissioners and District Magistrates, who serve as custodians of migrant properties under the Act.
The government further informed that, as per the latest data from the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, a total of 3,729 kanals and 4 marlas have been retrieved and handed over to rightful beneficiaries so far. Notably, 844 kanals and 4 marlas have been restored since November 2024 alone.
Providing details on complaints related to encroachments, the government said that 10,173 applications were received through both online and offline modes. Of these, 9,713 cases have been disposed of by the concerned District Magistrates, with 7,829 applications approved and only 24 cases still pending.
“Complaints are being received through both online and offline modes. All offline complaints are being uploaded onto the portal to ensure a unified and transparent mechanism for disposal,” the government said. It added that an online grievance redressal portal, established under Government Order No. 53-JK(Rev) of 2021 dated August 13, 2021, is being used for registration and monitoring of cases related to migrant immovable properties.
To strengthen monitoring and ensure time-bound action, the government has constituted a Steering Committee under Government Order No. 65-JK(GAD) of 2026 dated January 15, 2026. The committee held its first meeting on January 26, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary, Home Department.
The panel reviewed the implementation of the Act and issued directions to streamline the process of protecting and restoring migrant properties.
Reiterating the legal framework, the government stated that Deputy Commissioners and District Magistrates are designated custodians of migrant properties in their respective districts. Additionally, under Government Order No. 741-JK(GAD) of 2025 dated June 19, 2025, Additional Deputy Commissioners have been appointed as nodal officers to ensure swift resolution of property-related issues.
Officials said a comprehensive legal, administrative, and technological mechanism has been put in place to ensure time-bound restoration of migrant properties and safeguard the interests of Kashmiri migrant families.
The process is being monitored at multiple levels and is being pursued on priority to ensure the security, dignity, and rehabilitation of the affected families. |
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