Lands of Kashmiri Migrants Reclaimed( f Kashmiri) 

Jammu & Kashmir: After 36 years, the process for the return of Kashmiri    ( f Kashmiri)   Pandits has commenced in Jammu and Kashmir. On one hand, temples that had fallen into ruin are being renovated and reopened. On the other hand, the Jammu and Kashmir government has announced the successful reclamation of 3,700 kanals of land belonging to Kashmiri Pandits, which had been encroached upon in 1990. Kashmiri Pandits have welcomed this step taken by the government.

Lands of Kashmiri Migrants Reclaimed

According to the Jammu and Kashmir government, thanks to the administration’s persistent efforts, a total of 3,729 kanals and four marlas (188.75 hectares) of land belonging to Kashmiri migrants across the 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley have been successfully reclaimed and restored to their rightful owners. Kashmiri Pandits state that the encroached land and temple properties collectively amount to thousands of kanals. While it is a positive development if the Chief Minister claims to have reclaimed 3,700 kanals of land, it is equally important to ascertain exactly to whom this land has been returned.

Hundreds of Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits Had Migrated

It is worth noting that with the onset of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989, hundreds of thousands of Kashmiri Pandits abandoned their homes, lands, and assets to flee the region. During this period of militancy, some individuals sold off their properties, while others left everything behind and migrated out of Kashmir. According to Kashmiri Pandits, as time passed, certain individuals illegally encroached upon their lands, as well as temple and trust properties—sites where large hospitals, shopping complexes, and malls stand today.

What Did the Kashmiri Pandits Say? Kashmiri Pandits state that it is a positive development that the atmosphere in Kashmir has improved significantly compared to the past. They are receiving cooperation from Kashmiri Muslims. Temples that had been reduced to ruins are currently undergoing renovation. A particularly noteworthy event is that, recently—after 36 years—Srinagar’s Raghunath Temple reopened for worship; furthermore, the Omar government claims to have retrieved 3,700 kanals of land. However, there remain thousands of kanals of land where large malls, hospitals, and shopping complexes have been constructed. It is imperative that this land be reclaimed. Only then will it be possible for Kashmiri Pandits to return to their homes.

**The Government Should Use Bulldozers**
Meanwhile, commenting on the Chief Minister’s claim, BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur stated: “If the Omar Abdullah government has indeed retrieved 3,700 kanals of land, it is certainly good news for those Kashmiri Pandits whose land has been restored to them. They should publicly disclose exactly who has received their land back.” Altaf Thakur further added: “In 1990, amidst the turmoil of terrorism and separatism, thousands of kanals of land and temple properties were usurped at gunpoint—sites where massive shopping complexes stand today. The government should utilize bulldozers to reclaim this land.”

**The LG Administration and the Omar Government Are on the Same Track**
It is worth noting that both the LG administration and the Omar government are working in tandem to facilitate the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homes. Since the abrogation of Article 370, more than 300 temples in Kashmir—which had been destroyed during the era of terrorism—have been reconstructed. The primary objective behind renovating these temples and reclaiming encroached land is to enable Kashmiri Pandits to return to their native homes. This return is being awaited eagerly not only by the government but also by the Kashmiri Muslim community. However, it remains essential to take further concrete steps to fully restore the confidence of the Kashmiri Pandits.