Ganderbal, Feb 13: Reacting strongly to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vikram Randhawa’s claim that 90 per cent of government land in Jammu is occupied by people from Valley, the Apni Party on Friday said that Jammu and Kashmir is one unit and its residents are free to live and do business in any part of the Union Territory without restrictions.
Apni Party General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a condolence visit at Haripora Ganderbal, said attempts to divide people on regional lines are unfortunate and uncalled for.
“Jammu and Kashmir is one unit. There are no restrictions on residents of Jammu living in Kashmir or vice versa. People from both regions have every right to live, work and conduct business anywhere in the Union Territory,” Mir said.
Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari was also present along with Mir during the condolence visit at Haripora in Ganderbal district.
Mir said that some “mischievous elements” have been trying to spread hatred over the past three decades, and such attempts must be avoided, especially at a time when the region is passing through a critical phase.
He maintained that any issue related to alleged land occupation should be addressed strictly as per the law. “If there are cases of illegal occupation, they should be dealt with legally. Demolition drives are not new; such actions have taken place in the past as well,” he said.
Referring to the ongoing Budget session, Mir questioned what relief had been provided to common people, particularly daily wagers.
He expressed hope that the government would fulfil its promises. “If commitments made to the people are not honoured, our party will raise the issue and hold the government accountable,” he added.
