Government Says 34 Non-J&K Residents Bought Land In UT Since Abrogation Of Article 370

On Tuesday, the Modi government informed in Lok Sabha that 34 people from outside Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) have bought land in the Union Territory — including in Kashmir — since August 2019, when article 370, which granted special status to the state, was abrogated by the parliament. 

Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, in a response to a written question, told Lok Sabha: “As per the information provided by the Government of J&K, 34 persons from outside the UT of J&K have bought properties in the UT of J&K after abrogation of Article 370. The properties are located in Jammu, Reasi, Udhampur and Ganderbal districts.”

While Reasi and Udhampur are in Jammu, Ganderbal is in Kashmir.

All these properties have been purchased by individuals, including businessmen and professionals, from Punjab and Delhi, sources in J&K administration said, as per The Indian Express. According to sources, in all the cases, the plots of land are not very big and largely suited for setting up holiday homes or farmhouses.

“Following abrogation of Article 370, land prices in J&K have appreciated almost six times. Plots available for Rs 3 lakh per kanal are now selling for Rs 18 lakh per kanal. Many people are investing with the future in mind. There is confidence among investors that peace will eventually prevail in the Valley and that investments made now will lead to profitable business opportunities in future. It is a welcome move if people wish to operate bed and breakfast kind of holiday homes, in partnership with local people,” said an official.

MoS Rai, in a written reply to a written question in December 2021, had said that “a total of seven plots of land have been purchased by persons from outside the UT of J&K (since August 2019). All the seven plots are located in Jammu division.”