SRINAGAR: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has introduced a landmark proposal titled the Jammu and Kashmir Land Rights and Regularisation Bill, 2025; popularly known as the “Anti-Bulldozer Bill”, aimed at protecting residents of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) from arbitrary evictions, forced demolitions, and government land takeovers.
Announcing the move in Srinagar, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said the bill had been formally submitted to the Legislative Assembly for discussion in the upcoming session. She explained that the legislation seeks to regularize ownership rights for individuals, families, and institutions that have occupied land for more than 30 years.
“The bill is designed to prevent forced evictions, protect livelihoods, and provide long-term stability to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” she told reporters, warning that current land policies were deepening insecurity and pushing locals toward economic ruin.
Mufti cited the growing land and lease disputes in Gulmarg and other tourist areas where the Land Grant Rules, 2022 have prevented lease renewals and triggered government takeovers. “Nearly 60 hotels, including heritage establishments like Nedous and Highlands Park, have been served takeover notices,” she said. “This policy threatens the backbone of Kashmir’s tourism industry and the livelihoods tied to it.”
Accusing the Modi-led government of using bulldozers and legal manoeuvres to alter property ownership in the region, the PDP leader argued that the policy was part of a broader attempt to change Kashmir’s demographic structure following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A.
She urged the Assembly to adopt the PDP’s bill or bring forward similar legislation to secure land rights and restore public confidence. “This is not just about property—it’s about dignity, identity, and survival,” Mehbooba said.
The introduction of the bill signals escalating political resistance to New Delhi’s post-2019 land reforms in IIOJK, which critics say are designed to dispossess locals and consolidate federal control over the territory.
