Over 2000 Kanals of Land in IIOJK Allocated to Non-Locals Under Investment Cover

Is development the real motive, or is it a cover for demographic shifts in IIOJK?

In a controversial move sparking widespread concern, the administration led by New Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has handed over more than 2000 kanals of land to non-local companies over the past two years. The step, presented as a measure to promote investment, has reignited debates over attempts to alter the demographic and economic fabric of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

This information surfaced in response to a question raised by PDP MLA Abdul Waheed Parra during an assembly session. The IIOJK government, in a written statement, confirmed that 2093 kanals of land have been allotted to non-local entities at SIDCO Industrial Estate from January 1, 2023, to December 12, 2024.

Providing details, the government revealed that in Kathua district, significant plots have been allocated to well-known firms. 275 kanals have been given to M/s RSWM Limited, while 222 kanals and 424 kanals were allotted to M/s Grew Energy Pvt Ltd (Unit-I and Unit-II), respectively, at Bhagthali-I.

Additionally, at Bhagthali-II, 201 kanals each have been assigned to M/s Advance Films Pvt Ltd, M/s Greenquest Alu Foils Pvt Ltd, and M/s Haldiram Snacks Manufacturing Plant. Another 209 kanals were given to M/s Sintex Advances Plastic Ltd, and 206 kanals to M/s Ceylon Beverages Can Pvt Ltd.

In Srinagar, at Medicity Semporas, 30 kanals and 100 kanals have been allocated to M/s Megna Waves Build Tech Pvt Ltd (EMAAR Group-UAE). Furthermore, 24 kanals at Exhibition Ground Jammu were transferred to the same company.

Responding to an additional inquiry regarding the total land transferred to industrial estates, public bodies, and private firms over the past two years, the government provided further figures. It reported that in the Jammu Division, 6014 kanals and 10 marlas of land have been allotted, whereas in the Kashmir Division, 5532 kanals and 19 marlas have been distributed.

Critics argue that these allocations serve a larger agenda to weaken the position of the local population by gradually shifting economic control and possibly modifying the region’s demographic structure. This has raised pressing concerns about the long-term implications for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.