Jammu, Feb 13 (NationPress) In a heated session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Opposition BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa raised serious concerns on Friday, alleging that individuals from the Valley have unlawfully occupied land in Jammu city. In response, Health Minister Sakina Itoo highlighted that ongoing anti-encroachment initiatives have successfully recovered land owned by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA).

Countering Randhawa's claims, Itoo stated that since January 2025, a total of 34 anti-encroachment operations have been conducted in Tehsils Bahu and Jammu South, resulting in the reclamation of 140 kanals and 11 marlas of land belonging to the JDA.

Randhawa accused residents from the Valley of establishing settlements on encroached JDA land, asserting that the authorities have failed to take action against these violations. He claimed that approximately 90 percent of these encroachments involve individuals from the Kashmir valley.

“Let the government investigate and take necessary steps to clear the encroachments in my constituency. Over 16,000 kanals of JDA land are currently under illegal occupation in Jammu,” he stated.

“We have no issues with Kashmiris purchasing land and building homes in Jammu, but constructing on government property is unacceptable,” he added.

In her rebuttal, Itoo dismissed Randhawa's allegations, emphasizing that the issue of encroachment should not be viewed through a regional lens and that Jammu and Kashmir should remain united.

Randhawa then approached the Well of the House, clutching documents, and demanded immediate action against the encroachments.

Earlier, the minister mentioned that measures such as fencing and signboards have been installed to deter future encroachments and protect the reclaimed land.

“Teams comprised of junior engineers, patwaris, and other field personnel routinely monitor areas under their jurisdiction and promptly report any encroachment attempts on JDA land,” she noted.

According to available records, land measuring 688 kanals (8 kanals is equivalent to 1 acre) and 17 marlas (160 marlas is 1 acre) in Tehsil Bahu and 579 kanals in Tehsil Jammu South are currently under illegal encroachment.

“These encroachments are longstanding and are being removed in accordance with the provisions of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act and other applicable laws,” she stated.

The minister, responding on behalf of the chief minister, assured that the JDA has adequate manpower and that the Jammu Municipal Corporation, the Revenue Department, and local police provide full support during eviction and anti-encroachment drives.

Regarding actions against negligent officials, she confirmed that appropriate measures, including warnings, departmental proceedings, and disciplinary actions, have been taken against errant officers and JDA staff.

“Red entries have been made in the service records of officials Pankaj Sambyal and Romesh Kumar for their alleged involvement in the encroachment of JDA land in Tehsil Jammu South,” she elaborated.

She asserted that accountability is enforced strictly following legal protocols after thorough verification.