The Jammu and Kashmir administration has successfully retrieved over 500 kanals of migrant land between January and July of this year, with the retrieved properties either secured under ‘superdari’ arrangements or returned to their original owners. This significant recovery effort was detailed during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, aimed at a thorough review of the handling and resolution of grievances lodged by Kashmiri migrant property holders across all ten districts within the Kashmir Division. The proceedings were conducted under the framework of the Jammu and Kashmir Migrant Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection and Restraint on Distress Sales) Act, 1997.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that a total of 522 kanals and 15.9 marlas of migrant land were reclaimed during the specified period. Among the districts leading this recovery, Bandipora distinguished itself by retrieving 146 kanals and 7 marlas, followed closely by Baramulla, which saw 82 kanals and 10 marlas of such land recovered. Kulgam reported the retrieval of 80 kanals and 0.5 marlas, Ganderbal accounted for 53 kanals, and Srinagar recovered 50 kanals and 16.9 marlas.
During the meeting, officials provided an update on the Online Migrant Grievance Portal (RRCM), which has registered a substantial 12,223 complaints. These complaints encompass a wide array of violations, including 5,341 cases of encroachment, 2,874 instances of trespassing, and 442 cases involving allegations of record tampering. The portal has facilitated the closure of 10,038 cases by the respective District Magistrates, with 7,605 cases having received final approval through the RRCM mechanism, indicating a robust process for addressing these sensitive issues.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasized the critical need for the Divisional and District Administrations to ensure the quality, thoroughness, and timely disposal of every grievance. He specifically highlighted the importance of prioritizing cases that have been pending for extended durations. Dulloo stressed that each complaint must undergo a comprehensive examination and be decided strictly on its merits to guarantee a satisfactory resolution for the property owners. This directive underscores the administration’s commitment to a fair and efficient grievance redressal system.
Further enhancing the protection and management of migrant properties, the Chief Secretary called for increased utilization of technology. He instructed the remaining districts to accelerate the completion of geo-tagged inventories of migrant properties. The development of comprehensive digital inventories is expected to create a reliable asset database, thereby strengthening the monitoring, protection, and overall management of these valuable assets. A detailed presentation delivered by the Relief Commissioner (Migrant) showcased the progress made in fortifying the institutional, administrative, and technological frameworks designed for the protection of migrant properties and the effective disposal of related grievances.
To further ensure accountability and the quality of case disposal, the administration has implemented an independent telephonic quality-verification mechanism. This initiative, operated through the office of the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, aims to assess the effectiveness of the closure process for reported cases. Out of 4,918 applicants who were successfully contacted during this verification exercise, a significant majority, 4,605, expressed satisfaction with the manner in which their cases were resolved. The remaining grievances have been flagged for additional administrative scrutiny and the implementation of necessary remedial actions, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and addressing any shortcomings.
In addition to these technological and administrative measures, the administration has intensified its direct engagement with migrant property holders. This is being achieved through the organization of grassroots outreach camps, which facilitate direct communication and provide a platform for property owners to voice their concerns and receive timely assistance. These camps are crucial for building trust and ensuring that the administration remains responsive to the needs of the migrant community regarding their immovable properties in Jammu and Kashmir.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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