Jammu and Kashmir Government Reveals Illegal Occupation of Custodian Land in Kashmir Division
The Legislative Assembly was informed by the Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday that a significant portion of custodian land in the Kashmir division is under illegal occupation or litigation. According to the Revenue Department’s response to MLA Abdul Majeed Bhat’s question, a total of 3,982 kanals and 1.5 marlas of custodian land are affected.
The total notified evacuee (custodian) land in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions is reported to be 1,44,932 kanals and 6 marlas. In the Kashmir division alone, there are 55,960 kanals and 15.25 marlas of notified evacuee land, with 3,982 kanals, 1.5 marlas, and 97 square feet currently under illegal occupation or litigation.
Steps have been taken for eviction purposes, with the Evacuee Property Department initiating action under the J&K Evacuee (Administration of Property) Act, 2006, and its related rules to reclaim the occupied land. Over the past few years, a substantial amount of evacuee property measuring 2,441 kanals, 1.5 marlas, and 97 sq ft has been successfully retrieved through eviction of illegal occupants and cancellation of unauthorized leases/allotments in the Kashmir division.
Despite these efforts, some evacuee land is still embroiled in legal disputes. The government has assured that further actions for retrieval will be carried out strictly in accordance with the law to address this issue effectively.
It is crucial to adhere to legal procedures and regulations to ensure the rightful ownership of custodian land in the Kashmir division is restored and maintained. The government’s commitment to enforcing the law and reclaiming illegally occupied properties reflects its dedication to upholding justice and protecting public assets.
