Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir: In a controversial move that has raised alarms among local businesses and international observers, the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly recently revealed that nearly 7,000 kanals of land in the region have been allotted to non-local companies. This alarming development is seen by many as part of India’s broader strategy to alter the region’s demography and economy, furthering its control over the disputed territory.
Massive Land Transfers to Non-Locals
Government figures show that 6,954 kanals of land have been distributed, with 2,099 kanals of it being allotted in just the past two years. The recipients of this land include large corporations from Delhi, Punjab, and Gujrat, and even international entities from Sri Lanka and the UAE. This has sparked concerns over the impact on local Kashmiri businesses and the region’s economy.
Key Recipients of Land Allotments
The beneficiaries of these land grants include well-known companies such as:
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- RSWM Ltd., Delhi (275 kanals)
- Grew Energy Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat (646 kanals)
- Ceylon Beverages, Sri Lanka (206 kanals)
- Magna Waves Build Tech Pvt. Ltd., UAE (130 kanals in Srinagar)
In total, 23 non-local companies have been allotted more than 826 kanals of land under India’s 2021-2030 Industrial Policy. The most affected areas include the industrial zones of the Kathua, Samba, and Jammu districts, where land that could have supported local industry is now being given to foreign and non-local corporations.
Controversial Allotments in Kathua and Samba
In the districts of Kathua and Samba, under the 2016-2026 Industrial Policy, more than half of the land allotted was handed over to just two companies:
- ACTL Ltd., Delhi – 265 kanals
- Kandhari Beverages, Chandigarh – 388 kanals
This large-scale transfer to non-local companies has sparked questions about the fairness and transparency of the allotment process, especially given the region’s disputed status.
A Violation of International Law?
Kashmir is recognized as a disputed territory by the United Nations, with the international community consistently calling for a resolution of the dispute through a UN-supervised plebiscite. India’s actions in Jammu & Kashmir, especially the widespread land allotments to non-locals, are seen by critics as a violation of UN resolutions and international law.
The UN Security Council Resolutions, particularly Resolution 47, call for the protection of the rights of the Kashmiri people and have consistently opposed any unilateral actions that alter the region’s status. These new land transfers are widely viewed as part of India’s efforts to alter Kashmir’s demographic and economic fabric.
Impact on Local Kashmiri Businesses
For local Kashmiri entrepreneurs, these land transfers are seen as a direct threat to their survival. The overwhelming dominance of non-local corporations in key industrial zones is pushing local businesses out of the market. The rise of non-local economic influence further marginalizes the region’s indigenous population, exacerbating the economic challenges faced by local entrepreneurs.
Global Concern and Call for Action
Despite the growing concerns, there has been limited international response to India’s actions in Kashmir. Human rights organizations and international bodies such as the United Nations must take a stronger stance against India’s land policies, which violate both the rights of Kashmiris and international legal norms.
Advocates for an independent Kashmir have urged the global community to hold India accountable for its illegal actions and to pressure for a return of self-determination to the Kashmiri people, as mandated by international law.
The Need for International Intervention
The land allotment process in Kashmir is more than just an economic issue. It represents a deliberate effort to alter the region’s demographic and economic structure. As the dispute over Kashmir remains unresolved, India’s actions continue to violate international laws and undermine the rights of the Kashmiri people. The global community must take a stand and demand an end to these unlawful practices, ensuring that Kashmiris have the right to determine their future free from external interference.
