Rejects Land Regularization Bill in Assembly; Invites People to Kashmir Marathon 2.0 to Boost Tourism
By Northlines Reporter
Srinagar, Oct 28:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday firmly ruled out any government support for legislation that could benefit land grabbers or those occupying state land illegally, asserting that his administration would not “legitimize illegality” under any circumstance.
The Chief Minister’s statement came amid a heated exchange in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the House disallowed the introduction of two private members’ bills—one by PDP’s Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra and another by BJP’s Balwant Singh Mankotia—while six others were withdrawn at the insistence of the government.
Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, vehemently opposed the introduction of The Jammu and Kashmir (Regularization and Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Public Lands) Bill, 2025, brought by PDP’s Parra. The bill sought to provide ownership rights to individuals who had built houses on public or state land.
“The government cannot grant ownership rights to those who have illegally occupied state land and constructed houses on it,” Omar said while rejecting the proposal. “How is it possible to legalize state land for those who have encroached upon it? How can such an act be justified? This bill conveys that one can simply occupy land, build a house, and then get it registered in their name. The government cannot accept this bill.”
He reiterated that his administration “will not harm the people of Jammu and Kashmir” but would also not allow any measure that serves the interests of the land mafia. “Any bill that benefits the common people will be supported, but those meant to help illegal occupants will not be passed,” the Chief Minister asserted.
Heated Exchange Between CM and PDP’s Parra
PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra strongly contested Omar’s stand, accusing him of “retreating from the legacy” of his grandfather, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, the architect of the historic land-to-the-tiller reforms.
“He is forgetting that he is the grandson of Sheikh Abdullah—Sher-e-Kashmir—who gave land to the tiller,” Parra said. “The biggest issue in Jammu and Kashmir after August 5, 2019, has been land. Earlier, people living on state land felt safe, but now state land—which belonged to the people—has been turned into non-state land. If Omar Abdullah withdraws from that legacy, he is abandoning his own politics and promises. Should we then accept the BJP’s claim that this is ‘land jihad’?”
He further alleged that bulldozers had been used selectively “against Muslims in Jammu.”
Reacting sharply, Omar Abdullah accused the PDP member of dragging religion and politics into an issue of legality and governance. “Even if bulldozers were used for political reasons, I would not bring a wrong bill to save anyone,” Omar said. “This is not about religion or region; this is about justice and law. You are throwing justice out the window by politicizing the issue.”
The Speaker subsequently put the bill to a voice vote, where only two PDP members supported its introduction, while other members opposed it. The House also rejected a bill moved by BJP’s Balwant Singh Mankotia, while six legislators—including Tanvir Sadiq, M. Y. Tarigami, Mir Saifullah, Nizam-ud-din Bhat, Altaf Ahmad Wani, and Mubarak Gul—chose to withdraw their bills following the government’s advice.
Focus on Tourism, Kashmir Marathon 2.0
Speaking later to the media, the Chief Minister said the government is simultaneously focusing on promoting tourism in the Valley through events like the upcoming Kashmir Marathon 2.0, scheduled for November 2.
Despite chilly weather conditions, Omar said the response to this year’s marathon had been “overwhelming,” with registration numbers already double those of last year. “Kashmir is the most beautiful and ideal destination for such an event. These events not only promote fitness but also enhance tourism and increase footfall in the Valley,” he said, expressing hope for early snowfall this winter to boost winter tourism.
He noted that while the tourist inflow was currently low, the administration remained optimistic about a rise in the coming months. “Our efforts are on to give a boost to the tourism sector, but there is also a need to improve infrastructure,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister visited the J&K Sainik School, Manasbal, to attend its Annual Day celebrations, where he interacted with students and staff. He said the school, like any other institution, could be further improved through joint efforts of the authorities and the education department.
When asked about the absence of the School Principal, Omar said the matter had already been taken up with Minister Sakina Itoo and Secretary School Education Sharma and assured that the issue would be resolved soon.
