Srinagar, Aug 20 (KINS): Union Minister for Coal and Jammu and Kashmir BJP Assembly Election Incharge, G. Kishan Reddy today said the abrogation of Article 370 has paved the way for granting long-denied rights to refugees from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and West Pakistan.
These refugees, who returned to India in 1945, 1969, and 1971, were previously excluded from constitutional rights in Jammu and Kashmir.
“PM Narendra Modi’s government has ensured that no one is or will be left behind. The decision to abrogate Article 370 has now secured the rights of these refugees who have waited decades for recognition and equality,” said Kishan Reddy.
“This is a historic step toward justice and inclusion, a long-overdue move that reflects the government’s commitment to empowering every citizen.”
Earlier on August 16, the Administrative Council approved the proposal for the transfer of Evacuees’ land conferring proprietary rights to the Displaced persons of 1947, 1965, 1971, and West Pakistan Displaced Persons. This decision will confer absolute proprietary rights over Evacuees’ land to DPs as already conferred over State Land.
As per the decision, the Custodian concerned will transfer the land in favor of the DPs in a time-bound manner. The Custodian General shall ensure proper safeguards to prevent any misuse particularly unauthorized encroachments on the Evacuees’ land.
The Government has issued directions for time-bound processing of applications giving proprietary rights to DPs over Evacuee land in 30 days and the entire process is expected to be completed within 6 months, providing major relief to the displaced persons.
The total quantum of transferred land shall be as per the land ceiling provided by Cabinet Order No. 578-C of 1954 and the ceiling under the Jammu and Kashmir Agrarian Reforms Act, 1976.
The decision fulfills the demands of all connected families, which have been requesting ownership rights since past so many decades. The Government has always remained committed to providing benefits to the Displaced Persons.
