Demands answers on Govt land leases while calling out silence in Assembly
Srinagar, April 1: Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Wednesday raised serious concerns over the government’s handling of a private member bill seeking extension of expired leases on government land, criticising the administration for allowing its passage without opposition and alleging that it overwhelmingly favours Kashmir’s super elite while excluding the underprivileged.
Lone underlined the massive financial stakes involved, stating that the bill pertains to some of the most valuable real estate in Kashmir, which he estimated to be worth between ₹70,000 crore and ₹1 lakh crore or even more.
He remarked that the nature of the assets involved makes it evident that the primary beneficiaries are the wealthiest sections, intensifying concerns over equity and intent.
While clarifying that he is not opposed to the bill in principle, Lone strongly questioned its selective benefit structure. He drew a sharp contrast between affluent leaseholders and lakhs of poor families who have constructed modest homes on 2 to 3 marlas, or at most a kanal, and continue to face daily uncertainty and administrative pressure without any form of legislative protection.
He questioned whether these vulnerable sections, who have remained exposed for decades, do not deserve similar legal safeguards.
Raising the issue of transparency, Lone pointed out that key questions he posed in the Assembly remain unanswered, including the total extent of government land leased out in kanals and the actual lease revenue collected from beneficiaries over the years.
He termed the silence on these fundamental details deeply concerning, calling for greater accountability and a more inclusive approach to policymaking.
