The J&K government has decided to give land ownership rights to Pakistani refugees from 1965 and 1971 wars who have settled in different parts of the state. A formal order to this effect is expected to be issued soon.

The decision brings these refugees at par with refugees of 1947 and entitle thousands of families to Occupancy Tenant Rights under Sec 3A of Agrarian Reforms Act.

“The government has taken this decision that will do some justice to the refugees of this category who have been struggling for ownership rights for a long time,” said Raman Bhalla, J&K’s Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation. “The decision was taken many times earlier also but never implemented. We have completed the necessary exercise and things are now in the final stage.”

The refugees—the government calls them Displaced Persons of 1965 and 1971—were displaced during the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars and settled in J&K, mostly in Chhamb sector. Many families have settled in Kathua district as well. Those refugees who settled in rural areas where allotted agricultural land but were given ownership rights to that land. That, however, is now set to change.

“Government issued orders from time to time as regards the issue of possession but some confusion prevailed in respect of evacuees land due to which the ownership rights could not be granted till date. But now things are amply clear as the matter has been taken up during the meetings held recently with concerned quarters,” said Pawan Kotwal, DC Jammu.