Shahana Butt
Press TV, Kashmir
A shutdown is being observed in Indian controlled Kashmir after New Delhi amended and repealed a series of decades old land laws of Kashmir.
The new reorganization law issued on 26 October 2020 opens up all of Jammu and Kashmir to every Indian citizen and removes every restriction that prevented large landholdings, allows the Indian armed forces to take over land wherever they desire, and gives sweeping powers to the government to take over any land and property for “industrial” use and bring in big businesses to set up their shop.
People's Democratic Party president Mehbooba mufti while criticizing the governments move accuses India of land grab for big investors.
The October 26, 2020 order repeals 13 state laws and amends 14 laws, experts say this is to further the agenda behind the abrogation.
According to historic date check these laws were introduced to empower the majority Muslims who were suffering immensely under the non-Muslim rulers. Not only this but the rights to buy and sell land in Kashmir was also confined to the people of Kashmir. Experts say India’s moves in Kashmir since Aug 5 2019 has further internationalized this conflict.
In response to the shut down call by pro freedom camp of Kashmir shops and business remained closed. Huge numbers of government forces were seen guarding the streets to avoid law and order problems.
Almost 7 decades ago these laws were introduced to empower the Muslim majority of Kashmir, and today when the ruling Hindu nationalist BJP is amending and repealing the same laws, the people of Kashmir are watching over helplessly. Experts say such moves clearly depict India’s Intention in Kashmir.