Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 18: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Parra today criticised National Conference (NC) leader Tanvir Sadiq over the proposed land rights bill, accusing the party of inconsistency and failing to address the concerns of people living on state land.
Speaking to reporters, Parra said a similar bill aimed at granting ownership rights to long-term occupants of state land had earlier been rejected in the Assembly by the NC.
“Now they claim they will bring a bill—we will see. If it truly serves the people, we will support it,” he said.
Parra said the core issue was the plight of economically weaker sections residing on different categories of state land, including grazing, nazool and forest land, for years.
“The real concern is the problems faced by the people, especially the poor. Those living on such land must be given ownership rights over the land they have been occupying for decades,” he said.
Rejecting claims that such measures would benefit “land grabbers,” Parra termed the narrative misleading and alleged that recent demolition drives, particularly in Jammu, had left many families homeless without any rehabilitation or regularisation.
“Around 1,500 houses have been demolished this year alone, as raised in the Assembly. Even after that, the Government has not taken any concrete decision to grant ownership rights to common people,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the NC leadership, Parra said references to “land grabbers” often overlook the role of influential individuals.
“When such accusations are made, one must ask who they are referring to. People know who owns prime properties in places like Lal Chowk and other key locations,” he said.
He, however, said the PDP was not interested in political point-scoring but in finding a practical solution.
“People across Jammu and Kashmir—whether in Jammu, Kashmir, Chenab or Pir Panjal, and irrespective of religion—should be treated fairly,” he said.
Parra called for a consensus in the Assembly to protect long-term occupants, saying those living on state land for 15 to 25 years should have their homes regularised.
He clarified that the PDP was not advocating blanket regularisation, but legalisation of small residential plots.
He also questioned the effectiveness of schemes such as “Land to the Landless” if eviction drives continue. “Demolition drives must stop, and forced evictions must end,” he added.
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