Jammu, Mar 24: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday acknowledged the numerous challenges faced by border dwellers and announced plans to convene a meeting with MLAs from border areas in April to address these issues.
In response to concerns raised by various legislators, Omar Abdullah stated, “This is a humanitarian issue. Border residents face numerous challenges,” and assured that the government would take all necessary steps to resolve these problems. He confirmed that the meeting with border area MLAs, along with officials, would be scheduled after the legislative session concludes in April.
Abdullah also highlighted the government’s efforts to support farmers whose lands have been impacted by the construction of fencing along the International Border (IB). “Over Rs 144 crore have already been disbursed to farmers, and we are working to ensure the remaining funds are distributed swiftly,” he said.
Several BJP members, including Vijay Kumar, Surjit Singh Salathia, Devinder Kumar Manyal, and CPIM’s M Y Tarigami, raised concerns related to land compensation, agricultural disruptions caused by the fencing, and the poor conditions of border hamlets. A heated exchange also occurred between Tarigami and BJP MLA Balwant Manokita, who questioned Tarigami’s right to speak on border issues outside his constituency.
Addressing the issue of land compensation, Abdullah clarified that Rs 155.08 crore had been allocated, with Rs 144.12 crore already disbursed. The remaining amount was pending title verification, and the government would expedite the process to ensure quicker distribution.
Earlier, Minister for Revenue Sakina Itoo informed the House that the BSF had acquired 13,415 kanals of land across 113 villages in Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts for border fencing. The fencing spans a 135-feet wide strip along the Indo-Pak border.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the border issue is not limited to any one MLA but concerns all residents of border areas, whether in Jammu or the Kashmir Valley.
Tags: Northlines, Jammu and Kashmir, Legislative Assembly
