Srinagar, Apr 20 (KNS): Several prominent Kashmiri Pandit leaders and social activists have jointly raised serious concern over the growing illegal occupation and sale of migrant properties in Kashmir, demanding an immediate high-level probe to unearth what they termed a "multi-crore land scam."

In a statement issued on Saturday, the leaders highlighted that land mafia groups, in alleged collusion with certain lower-rank revenue officials, are systematically occupying and selling the immovable properties of Kashmiri migrants, including homes, temples, and shrines, across different districts of the Valley.

The leaders expressed dismay over the tampering of land records through mutations under Section 4 and 8, despite the Immovable Migrant Property Act, 1997, which was intended to safeguard such properties post the 1989-90 forced migration.

“The act has been rendered ineffective, and the administration has failed to enforce accountability, allowing the land mafia to operate unchecked,” the statement said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The leaders also noted that despite multiple appeals, migrant families are left helpless, moving from one revenue court to another in search of justice. They urged Deputy Commissioners, who are designated custodians of migrant properties, not to entertain cases involving properties already under litigation in the High Court to avoid contempt of court.

The joint appeal, issued by Vinod Pandita, Er. Rishi Kilam, Sanjay Dhar, Vijay Raina, Sunil Bhat, and others, called upon the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Lt. Governor of J&K, and the Chief Secretary to constitute a high-level inquiry committee, headed by a sitting High Court judge, to investigate the scam and ensure the culprits are brought to justice. (KNS)