New land lease law unjustified , “onslaught” on tourist industry in JK, revoke it immediately: Qayoom Wani to JK Govt

Srinagar: Chairman J&K Civil Society Forum Abdul Qayoom Wani has his concern over the recent move of the government on land lease and termed it the move very unfortunate and one more onslaught on the economy of Jammu and Kashmir after fruit industry. Wani said settling outsiders at the cost of local people involved in this industry is unfortunate and unjustified , Stating therein further that instead of new lease law govt should negotiate with the local tourism players to settle out any legal issue if arises.
In a statement issued here, JKCSF chairman said the move was unfortunate and it’s aim to demage the tourist industry in Jammu & Kashmir which has survived in difficult times only by the sacrifices of local people involved with the industry. The statement said as having learnt from news reports that as per these Rules, the land can be leased for any other purpose in the interest of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir to be determined by the Government.
“The Rules state that an empowered committee headed by Financial Commissioner Revenue and comprising officials from different departments would identify and designate land and the purpose for grant of the lease”, said Wani, adding that “It’s function will also be to recommend the period of grant of lease, which shall ordinarily be for 40 years”. Wani also said that denying the renewal of land lease to old leasers is a sheer injustice, Stating therein further that civil Society forum has demanded the revocation of the new land lease law and asked the govt to keep the land lease laws in the earlier consistency..