Ancestral properties of Kashmiri Pandits being handed over to their heirs

New Delhi – In the 1990s, thousands of Kashmiri Pandits were forced to flee, leaving their ancestral homes and other permanent assets behind due to terrorist violence and atrocities. After the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, efforts have been intensified to resettle the displaced Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir. In it, the encroachment on the properties of Kashmiri Pandits have been removed; the properties are being handed over to their rightful owners, said Union Home Minister Nityanand Rai.

On Wednesday, a question was raised in the Rajya Sabha regarding the return of encroached assets of Kashmiri Pandits. Union Home Minister Rai answered this question. Under the Jammu and Kashmir Migrant Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection and Restriction on Distress Cell) Act, the District Magistrates of the concerned districts are the custodians of such properties. Therefore, if anyone has encroached on the displaced property, the District Magistrate can take action against the encroachment on this property, taking cognisance of the encroachment. Displaced persons can also complain with the District Magistrate regarding encroachment on their property, the Union Home Minister underlined.

According to this law, the permanent property left behind by the displaced persons is being handed over to their rightful heirs or owners. Nityanand Rai said that as per the information given by the Jammu and Kashmir government, nine properties have been handed over to their rightful owners so far. After the deletion of Article 370, 520 displaced Kashmiri Pandits have returned to Kashmir. Also, some have got jobs under the package given by the Prime Minister and some have resumed their business in Kashmir.

A few days ago, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had informed that land had been transferred in five districts to build houses for displaced Kashmiri Pandits and those working here.

Meanwhile, after the deletion of Section 370, changes were also made to the Resident Act in Kashmir. Under this, those living in Kashmir for the last fifteen years are being given a certificate of residency in Kashmir. Provision was also made to issue residency certificates to those who were educated here. So far, more than 40 lakh people have been issued Kashmir residency certificates under this provision. Apart from this, the children of Kashmiri women who have recently married a person from outside Jammu and Kashmir have also been given some residency permits. With a residency certificate, they can buy property here in Jammu and Kashmir and avail Jobs and government benefits.