Land Bill Standoff: PDP's Fight for the Homeless

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti accuses J&K CM Omar Abdullah of betraying the poor by opposing a land rights bill. The bill, rejected in the assembly, intended to protect long-standing homes on government land. Mufti criticizes Abdullah for ignoring opportunities to provide shelter for the underprivileged.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti has charged Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with betraying the poor by opposing a land rights bill proposed by PDP MLA Waheed Para. The contentious bill, which was struck down in the assembly, was intended to safeguard homes built by impoverished families on government lands decades ago.

Mehbooba Mufti clarified that the bill did not aim to legalize recent encroachments but to recognize long-standing homes, some of which had been standing for 20-30 years. According to Mufti, rejecting the bill ignored the plight of these families, leaving them vulnerable to eviction.

The former chief minister also noted that the PDP had supported the ruling party in the Rajya Sabha elections with hopes of reciprocal backing for the land bill. She criticized Abdullah for missing an opportunity to address land issue concerns in the region, hinting at misuse of the 'statehood' argument for inaction.

(With inputs from agencies.)