Jammu, Apr 01: While defending his proposed legislation on land rights, National Conference Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq on Wednesday accused Peoples Democratic Party of having a tacit understanding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Reacting to the disruption triggered during the House proceedings, Sadiq said the developments had shown that the BJP and PDP were “on the same page”. He claimed that when his bill was admitted in the Assembly, there was no objection, but resistance surfaced later.
The NC MLA was referring to his private member’s bill seeking restoration of the Jammu and Kashmir Land Grants Act, 1960 and reversal of the 2022 rules. The bill aims to protect the rights of existing leaseholders and restore the legal framework governing government land.
Defending the proposal, Sadiq said the legislation is intended to benefit those who have legally acquired land under government leases across regions including Jammu, Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. He said the bill would provide legal certainty to such occupants whose rights were affected after changes in 2022.
“This is about giving legal sanctity to those who have taken land through proper process,” he said, adding that the measure is not meant for encroachments or illegal holdings.
NC spokesperson rejected allegations that the bill was aimed at benefiting influential persons. He said it would cover a wide range of stakeholders, including small shopkeepers, school operators and families who had obtained land through valid leases.
He also argued that restoring the earlier framework would prevent distress transfer of such properties and protect local interests, particularly in tourist and commercial areas.
Taking a swipe at PDP MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para, Sadiq accused him of diverting the debate and misrepresenting the intent of the bill. He said raising unrelated issues during discussion on daily wagers reflected an attempt to politicise the matter.
He maintained that the proposed law would also help create a structured basis for future land distribution to the landless by ensuring legal clarity—(KNO)
