Illegal Govt land lessees try ‘political-nexus’ to seek withdrawal of Land Grants Rules notification
Mudasir Yaqoob
Srinagar, Dec 29: A political leader in Kashmir is trying hard to undo recently notified Land Grants Rules 2022 to help the blue-eyed persons whose lease has already expired.
The Rules have closed doors for blue-eyed persons to occupy public property illegally.
Reports reaching ANN news said that some big fishes have approached a political leader and offered a handsome package in lieu of using political influence of the leader for withdrawal of recently notified rules.
The leader recently tried best to convenience administration at different levels, they said adding that “This political leader is literally running from pillar to post to seek withdrawal of Rules or at least an amendment so that the illegal occupiers could continue to hold possession of government land under their lease.”
A group of persons illegally holding possession of government land to which otherwise lease expired decades ago, are also using influences to ‘plant stories’ through some media houses in Kashmir to ‘pressurize’ authorities for the withdrawal of notification.
The J&K Lieutenant Governor’s administration had recently notified fresh land rules under J&K Land Grant Rules-2022 and replaced the J&K Land Grants Rules-1960.
Under the fresh rules, leases of current landowners will not extend in case of their lease expiry.
An expert committee will enlist all properties where the lease had ended. It will be e-auctioned afresh, said an official.
Interestingly, the lease agreement between the maximum number of hoteliers and government in the famous ski resort Gulmarg expired around a decade ago.
Unlike the previous up to 99 years of the lease, the new rules prescribe lease period not exceeding 40 years.
“The government has asked the outgoing leaseholders to evict properties or else face evictions under the new rules,” the official said.
“The new rules have hundreds of properties open for fresh auction. There must be no further delay to evict illegal occupants and make fresh auctions,” said a group of hoteliers.
