BJP MLA’s allegations on land encroachment trigger uproar in Assembly

Jammu, Feb 13: BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa’s claim that Kashmiris have encroached upon land in Jammu triggered an uproar in the Legislative Assembly on Friday, with MLAs from the Kashmir Valley strongly protesting his remarks.
During Question Hour, Randhawa alleged that 90 percent of the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) land has been encroached upon by Kashmiris.
“90 percent of JDA land has been encroached by Kashmiris. It is a matter of shame for them. We will welcome Kashmiris if they construct houses after purchasing land,” he said.
Referring to legislators from the treasury benches who stood up to counter his accusation, Randhawa remarked: “They may be feeling infuriated because someone among them might also be living on encroached land.”
Waving documents, Randhawa rushed to the Well of the House. Soon, members from the treasury benches as well as PC’s Sajad Lone and PDP’s Mir Muhammad Fayaz were on their feet, protesting his remarks.
Enraged by his statement, Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo slammed him, accusing him of attempting to divide people.
“Whenever there is encroachment, it is illegal—whether by Kashmiris or Jammuities. Why do you keep talking about ‘Jammu, Jammu’ and ‘Kashmir, Kashmir’? This is not appropriate. Why do you want to divide Jammu and Kashmir?” she asked.
The Minister termed the allegations levelled by the legislator as untrue.
“Kashmiris have not encroached on land. You should not speak in this manner. What was said is totally wrong,” she said. (KNO)