SRINAGAR: Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the government over the introduction of a private member bill seeking extension of expired leases on government land, alleging that the proposed legislation disproportionately benefits the elite while ignoring economically weaker sections.
Raising the issue in the Assembly, Lone questioned the government’s approach in allowing the bill to be introduced without resistance, calling it “pro-elite” in nature. He said the legislation involves some of the most valuable land parcels in Kashmir, estimating their worth between Rs 70,000 crore and Rs 1 lakh crore, thereby raising concerns about who stands to gain from the move.
While clarifying that he is not opposed to the concept of lease extensions, Lone criticised what he described as a selective benefit framework. He contrasted affluent leaseholders with thousands of poor families living on small plots of land—ranging from 2 to 3 marlas or up to a kanal—who continue to face uncertainty and lack legal protection.
He questioned why such vulnerable sections, who have lived under constant threat of eviction and administrative pressure for years, have not been extended similar safeguards through legislation.
Lone also flagged concerns over lack of transparency, stating that critical questions raised by him in the House—such as the total quantum of government land leased out and revenue generated from it—remain unanswered.
Calling the silence “deeply troubling,” he demanded accountability from the government and urged a more inclusive policy approach that addresses both high-value leaseholders and economically weaker sections across Jammu and Kashmir.
