Srinagar, Sep 29: A day after Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani warned government against passing the bill granting property rights to slum dwellers, the state Government on Thursday said the proposed law will be applicable only to state subjects.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ali Muhammad Sagar informed the Assembly about this before the adjournment of the House on Thursday.
“Some people are trading misconceptions that the bill will give rights to non- state subjects but the provisions of the bill make it clear that it is only applicable to the state subjects,” he said.
Sagar said there was no truth in the accusations that it will grant property rights to non-state subjects.
Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti however sought discussion on the proposed legislation to clear any misgiving.
“Last time when we raised our voice against Dogra certificate and property tax we were not heard, but when Geelani asked government acted promptly,” she said.
Pertinently, Geelani Wednesday demanded that government should announce publicly shelving of the bill aimed at permanently settling slum dwellers in the state.
“Like Israel, New Delhi is trying to evict Kashmiris from their land to tamper with the majority population ratio of Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, adding, “No original resident of Jammu Kashmir is living in Jhuggis in any part of the state. All those living in Jhuggis here are from other states. They have forcibly occupied the land at various places in Jammu and Kashmir and there is no justification for settling them permanently in the state. Any attempt to settle them would be a sheer violation of Article 370, about which the pro-India political parties are blowing trumpet during election campaigns. Under Article 370 no Indian resident can settle himself permanently in Jammu and Kashmir,” Geelani said.
Earlier, High Court Bar Association and National Front Chairman Nayeem Ahmad Khan had also warned government against passing the bill.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 IST