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Other states have laws to protect their Land, Why not J&K: Omar Abdullah

Srinagar
October 30, 2020

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Thursday said many states especially in the northeast have special laws relating to land ownership whereby people from other parts of the country cannot buy land there and questioned why Jammu and Kashmir could not have similar laws.
"There are many states like Himachal Pardesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Union territories where no Indian can go and buy land even today," the former Chief Minister said.

"Why is it only us who become anti-national when we talk of these laws ? Why are there no media debates when similar voices (for special provisions) are raised from other states ?" he asked, addressing a function at the National Conference headquarters in Srinagar.

Mr. Abdullah accused the BJP ruled centre of pushing to the brink the mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir who he said have come together in the battle to protect their land and identity.

Mr. Abdullah said last year after the Lok Sabha elections, political parties had expected that assembly elections will be held in Jammu and Kashmir.
"But today we are fighting for our identity. Shame on those of us who are still hankering after power. It is no more about power," he said.

About the formation of the People's Alliance, he said the Centre has been using "all kinds of tricks" to "weaken and divide us".