Sumit Hakhoo

Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 24

The failure of the administration to strictly implement provisions of the Migrant Immovable Property Act, 1997, continues to encourage land mafia to encroach upon property of Hindus who migrated from the Valley in 1990s.

The latest incident has been reported from Khanoo-Babagund village in the Langate area of Kupwara district. About 12-marla land belonging to Sunil Kumar Pandita has allegedly been encroached by his neighbour.

Under the J&K Migrant Immovable Property Act, the deputy commissioners are custodians of properties of 3.50 lakh Hindus who were forced to leave the Valley in 1990 on the onset of insurgency.

Pandidta approached the tehsildar concerned and DC office, but no action has been taken so far. “We came to know about the encroachment a month ago. I travelled to my native village on June 9 and showed documents to the family who have trespassed on my property. However, they are not willing to vacate it,” claimed Pandidta, who lives in the Jagti migrant camp in Jammu.

The house on the land was burnt down by militants in 1990s. “I had personally visited the spot, but the local family is not willing to honour the revenue documents. They are being helped by some influential persons who are engaged in grabbing the land of minority community,” he alleged.

When contacted by The Tribune, Tehsildar Mohammad Ramzan Hajam admitted that complaint had been lodged with him.

“I have given him two days to vacate the land. Action will be taken as per the law. We will not allow such things to happen,” the Tehsildar said.