"We cannot legalise illegal occupation of state land”: CM Omar Abdullah opposes Waheed Para’s bill

Srinagar, Oct 28: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday rejected a Bill moved by PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para that sought recognition of proprietary rights over state and Kacharai lands, saying the government cannot legalize illegal occupation of state property.

Speaking in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Omar Abdullah asked Para to withdraw the Bill, stating that such a move would go against existing laws and land regulations. “We cannot legalize illegal occupation of state land,” the Chief Minister said.

However, PDP legislator Waheed ur Rehman Para refused to withdraw the bill, saying the government was rejecting it for political reasons. “You are rejecting it for your own policies. BJP calls it land jihad don’t be afraid of them,” Para told the House.

The exchange led to a brief verbal duel between the treasury and opposition benches. Para argued that the Bill aimed to provide relief to people who have been living or cultivating on such lands for decades, while the government maintained that legal procedures could not be bypassed.

Chief Minister reiterated that the issue of land rights needs to be dealt with through lawful means and that the government would not take any step that could encourage encroachment on state property.(KNS)