In a landmark decision, the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has granted proprietary rights to West Pakistani Displaced Persons (WPDs) on state land, ending a long-standing period of discrimination. This decision comes nearly five years after the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A and represents a significant step toward empowering thousands of families in the Jammu region. The move also includes provisions for displaced persons from 1965 and aims to address the demands of these communities that have persisted for decades.
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- The Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has granted proprietary rights to West Pakistani Displaced Persons (WPDs) on state land.
- The decision marks a significant shift in policy, ending decades of discrimination faced by WPDs.
- This move follows the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A, which had previously denied many rights to WPDs.
- The decision will empower thousands of families across the Jammu region by granting them ownership rights.
- WPDs had been demanding these rights for decades, and the decision brings them on par with Displaced Persons from POJK.
- The Administrative Council also approved proprietary rights for Displaced Persons of 1965 regarding state land.
- The move aligns with the government’s commitment to address the needs of Displaced Persons from various years, including 1947 and 1971.
- The Revenue Department will implement safeguards to prevent misuse and unauthorized encroachments on state land.
- West Pakistani Displaced Persons were previously deprived of constitutional and human rights under Article 35-A and could not obtain permanent resident certificates or government jobs.
- Additionally, the Administrative Council approved revised administrative approval for constructing 6,000 transit accommodations in Kashmir Valley for migrant government employees.
