Jammu, Feb 12 (NationPress) Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, announced on Thursday that since the National Conference (NC) government assumed power in 2024, a remarkable total of 1,425 illegal structures have been demolished throughout the Union Territory.

In response to a starred inquiry from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz during the Assembly session, Omar confirmed that 1,425 illegal structures, which included residential properties, have been razed since the establishment of the National Conference-led government in October 2024.

The properties demolished included the residence of journalist Arfaz Ahmad Daing in Jammu, and the government asserted that all necessary procedures under the J-K Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1988 and other pertinent laws were adhered to before taking action.

Addressing the demolition of the journalist's residence by the Jammu Development Authority, Daing stated in his written communication on November 19, 2025, that he has no affiliation with the mentioned property.

"The demolition initiative was undertaken only after thorough verification by the relevant revenue authorities and adherence to due processes," stated the Chief Minister.

Emphasizing that no construction is allowed without proper authorization, Omar reiterated that demolition efforts are executed only after validation by the appropriate revenue authorities, in line with due procedures.

The structures demolished comprised 1,194 residential and 231 commercial buildings, with the largest number, 1,133 structures, located in Srinagar. This included 119 commercial establishments dismantled by the J-K Lake Conservation and Management Authority, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, and the Srinagar Development Authority.

Omar, who also oversees the Housing and Urban Development Ministry, indicated that Jammu district accounted for 237 demolitions, including 75 commercial structures, performed by the Jammu Development Authority, Jammu Municipal Corporation, and revenue authorities. This was followed by 19 demolitions in Ramban district by the National Highway Authority of India, and 10 in Anantnag by the Pahalgam Development Authority, along with demolitions in Kathua and Shopian.

He noted that three structures were demolished each in Kulgam, Ganderbal, and Udhampur, while two were demolished in Budgam, and one each in Baramulla and Kupwara. The commercial property in Baramulla and three houses in Ganderbal were demolished following high court directives.

"Encroachments are routinely removed in accordance with the provisions of the J-K Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1988 and other applicable laws. All unauthorized constructions are addressed under the Control Of Building Operations (COBO) Act, 1988. This process is conducted regularly through the issuance of notices, sealing, and anti-encroachment/demolition drives," the Chief Minister elaborated.

He added that violators or encroachers are granted sufficient time as stipulated in the relevant sections of the J-K Public Premises Act and COBO Act. When questioned about the reasons allowing such constructions initially, he stated that no construction is permitted without appropriate authorization.

"However, in certain instances, legal interventions, insufficient timely police support, construction during unusual hours, and deviations from approved plans can result in delays, enabling offenders to advance their construction projects," Omar concluded.