CivilsIASPrep.comOutsiders buying land in Srinagar, NC must be held accountable for demographic changes: Altaf Bukhari
What does this development mean for UPSC preparation?
J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari accused the NC government of allowing outsiders to buy land in Srinagar, raising demographic change concerns.
UPSC CSE Context
Why in News
J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari accused the NC government of allowing outsiders to buy land in Srinagar, raising demographic change concerns.
Syllabus Connection
Indian Polity and Governance, Federalism, and issues related to Jammu & Kashmir.
Exam Relevance
Relevant for UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper 2 on governance and federalism, and Prelims on J&K special provisions.
Core Issue
Allegations of land purchases by outsiders in J&K.
Key Development
Bukhari demanded accountability from the NC government over land sales to non-domiciles.
Stakeholders
- National Conference (NC)
- Government of Jammu & Kashmir
- Central Government
- People of Jammu & Kashmir
Static Knowledge
High-Value Background
- Article 370 and 35A previously restricted land ownership in J&K to permanent residents.
- After abrogation in 2019, domicile rules were redefined, altering land purchase eligibility.
Exam Linkage
- Connects to debates on special provisions, federalism, and demographic changes in border states.
Concepts in Context
- Domicile laws determine eligibility to buy land and get government jobs in a state.
- Demographic change refers to shifts in population composition due to migration or policy changes.
Institutions and Mechanisms
- Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly
Dynamic Analysis
Federalism
- Highlights tension between central laws and regional autonomy in J&K.
- Raises questions on state government's power to regulate land ownership post-2019.
- Shows political parties using federal issues for electoral mobilization.
Governance
- Allegations of non-enforcement of domicile laws indicate governance gaps.
- Demand for accountability reflects need for transparent land administration.
- Disruptions in Assembly hinder legislative scrutiny of executive actions.
Society
- Fears of demographic change can fuel identity politics and social unrest.
- Trust deficit between Centre and J&K youth affects political stability.
- Historical grievances resurface in contemporary political discourse.
Prelims Takeaways
- Article 35A was introduced by a Presidential Order in 1954.
- J&K domicile rules were amended after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
Mains Value Addition
Arguments
- Land ownership changes can alter demographic balance, impacting regional identity.
- Political accountability is essential to prevent misuse of power in land allocation.
- Direct dialogue may address trust deficit but requires inclusive stakeholder engagement.
Examples
- Bukhari cited a Mumbai-based person buying land for a hotel in Syedpora.
- A Delhi-based company acquired 150 kanals in Chatterhama Hazratbal.
Counterpoints
- NC may argue land purchases are legal under current laws.
- Allegations could be politically motivated ahead of elections.
Way Forward
- Ensure transparent enforcement of domicile laws with public disclosure of land transactions.
- Establish a mechanism for regular dialogue between Centre and J&K stakeholders.
- Strengthen legislative functioning to address public grievances effectively.
- Conduct an independent inquiry into alleged land purchases to ensure accountability.