Article 370 Abrogation Impact: Since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A from Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019, the significant changes in the land policies of the region are now clearly visible on the ground. For the first time, the Jammu and Kashmir government has officially revealed that 631 people from other states of the country have purchased a total of 386 kanals of land in the region over the past six years. This information was provided by the Revenue Department in a written reply to the Legislative Assembly. This reply was in response to a question asked by MLA Sheikh Ehsan Ahmed, who sought information on the status of land purchases made by outsiders after the abrogation of Article 370. Highest Land Purchases in Jammu According to government data, the Jammu region has led in cases of land purchases by outsiders.
The Revenue Department stated that 378 non-resident buyers in the Jammu division have purchased a total of 212 kanals and 13 marlas of land. The estimated value of these transactions is stated to be Rs 90.48 crore. Increased Interest in Kashmir Division as well Interest in land purchases by outsiders has also been recorded in the Kashmir Valley. According to official figures, 253 outsiders have purchased 173 kanals and 7 marlas of land in the Kashmir region, with a total value of approximately Rs 39.49 crore. Thus, combining both regions of Jammu and Kashmir, the total land purchased by outsiders has reached 386 kanals, with a market value of approximately Rs 129.97 crore.
Land Laws Changed After Abrogation of Article 370
It is noteworthy that after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A in August 2019, the central government amended several old laws applicable in Jammu and Kashmir. Previously, only ‘permanent residents’ of the state had the right to buy land, but under the new provisions, any citizen of India can now buy land in Jammu and Kashmir. However, some restrictions still apply to the purchase of agricultural land. Promoting Development and Investment The central and Jammu and Kashmir administrations say that the aim of these reforms is to promote investment, industry, and employment in the region.
According to the government, this will encourage private investment in the Jammu and Kashmir economy and create new opportunities for local youth. Opposition Criticism However, opposition parties allege that this process is an attempt to change the demography of the region. Several regional parties are demanding that controls and transparency be ensured regarding the permission granted to outsiders to buy land. This is the first time that the Jammu and Kashmir government has publicly released detailed and official figures regarding land purchased by outsiders after the abrogation of Article 370. The government says that all transactions were registered only after following statutory procedures and obtaining approval from the Revenue Department.
