Srinagar, Oct 29(KNS): Kashmiri Pandits, who have been displaced for over thirty-four years in Jammu and other parts of the country, face challenges regarding the retrieval and restoration of their ancestral lands and shrines, which have been illegally occupied by various elements and land mafia in Kashmir.

The Immovable Migrant Property Act, 1997, was enacted to protect and restore these properties under the oversight of the concerned Deputy Commissioners. However, the act has not effectively fulfilled its intended purpose.

Many migrants are seeking resolution for their grievances regarding illegal encroachments but face obstacles due to issues at the Tehsil level and the non-functioning of the migrant grievances portal. This situation has raised concerns within the community.

In a press statement, Kashmiri Pandit leaders and social activists Vinod Pandita and Vishal Jotshi highlighted the failure of the Immovable Migrant Property Act, 1997, to deliver justice to the internally displaced community and criticized the custodians responsible for this failure.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Pandita urged the Prime Minister of India, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to establish a committee in every district. This committee would include the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner of J&K, two representatives from the Kashmiri Pandit community, and the concerned Tehsildars, with the Deputy Commissioner as the head. The aim is to revive the Migrant Act and expedite justice for those seeking resolution for land grievances.

Pandita also suggested that the committee hold regular meetings, preferably on Saturdays and Sundays, at camps and non-camps in Jammu to address land grievances in a timely manner, ensuring the presence of complainants.

Additionally, Pandita and Jotshi called for all revenue courts to halt parallel proceedings related to migrant cases that are already under review in the High Courts of J&K, urging for final disposal of these matters(KNS).