Srinagar, October 8, 2025 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said her party has submitted the Jammu and Kashmir Land Rights and Regularisation Bill, 2025 in the Legislative Assembly to safeguard the rights of land occupants across the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, the former chief minister said the proposed legislation — dubbed the ‘Anti-Bulldozer Bill’ — seeks to regularise land holdings of individuals, families and institutions who have been in continuous possession of such lands for over 30 years.
“This Bill aims to secure ownership rights, prevent arbitrary evictions and ensure social and economic stability in Jammu and Kashmir,” Mehbooba said.
She highlighted the ongoing land and lease crisis in Gulmarg and other parts of Kashmir, pointing out that the Land Grant Rules, 2022 have halted renewal of old leases, leaving several hotel owners vulnerable to eviction and takeover.
According to Mehbooba, nearly 60 hotels in Gulmarg, including heritage establishments like Nedous and Highlands Park, have received takeover notices from the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA).
“Hoteliers who invested heavily are now facing financial distress, legal uncertainty and threats to their livelihoods,” she said, adding that the absence of a clear policy on lease renewal is hurting tourism, employment and investor confidence.
Mehbooba criticised the government for failing to provide a legal framework to protect landholders despite repeated assurances. She said PDP legislators have submitted the Bill to the Assembly Secretariat, urging the government to either adopt it or bring its own version.
The PDP chief recalled that the Roshni Act, 2001, introduced during Farooq Abdullah’s tenure, had granted ownership rights to occupants upon payment, but was struck down by the High Court in 2020. Since then, several leaseholders and occupants have faced eviction or non-renewal, especially after the 2022 eviction drive post reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The Bill aims to protect the interests of long-term occupants, small farmers and business owners who have been living or operating on such lands for decades,” Mehbooba said.
