Mehbooba Mufti Opposes Fertile Land Allotment to BSF in J&K
Former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti objects to allotment of fertile agricultural land to BSF, citing farmers’ livelihoods and misuse of productive land. Read full details.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has raised strong objections to the allotment of fertile agricultural land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for establishing a security camp in the Union Territory. Her remarks have once again sparked a political debate over land use, farmers’ rights, and security infrastructure in the sensitive region.
Taking to social media and addressing party workers, Mehbooba Mufti said that the land identified for the BSF camp is productive farmland located within village boundaries, which directly supports the livelihoods of local farmers. She argued that diverting such land for non-agricultural purposes would have serious economic and social consequences for residents who depend entirely on farming.
Concern Over Farmers’ Livelihoods
Mehbooba Mufti emphasized that agriculture remains the primary source of income for thousands of families in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in rural districts. She stated that fertile land should be preserved for cultivation and food security rather than being handed over for construction purposes.
“Using productive agricultural land for security camps will push farmers into distress and unemployment,” Mufti said, adding that alternative non-fertile or barren land should be identified for such projects.
She further claimed that the decision reflects a lack of sensitivity towards local communities, particularly at a time when farmers are already facing economic challenges due to rising input costs and climate-related uncertainties.
Appeal to the Administration
The PDP chief urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to immediately review the land allotment decision. She appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and ensure that farmers’ interests are protected.
Mufti also demanded transparency in the land acquisition process, questioning whether proper consultations were held with local villagers before finalizing the allotment.
“Development and security should not come at the cost of people’s livelihoods,” she said, stressing the need for a balanced approach between national security requirements and civilian welfare.
Political Reactions and BJP Response
Mehbooba Mufti’s objection triggered sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP leaders criticized her stance, accusing her of attempting to politicize administrative decisions related to national security.
The BJP maintained that the BSF plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order and countering terrorism, and infrastructure for security forces is essential in sensitive areas. Party leaders argued that such land allotments are routine administrative matters taken in the interest of public safety.
Some BJP leaders even termed Mufti’s remarks as “irresponsible,” stating that questioning land allotment for security forces could send a wrong message at a critical time.
Land Use and Security: A Sensitive Issue
Land allocation in Jammu and Kashmir has remained a highly sensitive political issue, especially after the reorganization of the state into a Union Territory. Over the past few years, several land-related decisions involving security forces, industrial projects, and infrastructure development have drawn criticism from regional political parties.
Experts note that while security infrastructure is vital, using fertile agricultural land often leads to public resentment, particularly in agrarian regions. They suggest that governments must prioritize unused or non-cultivable land for such purposes to avoid conflict.
Local Sentiment and Public Opinion
Local residents and farmer groups have also expressed concern over the proposed allotment. Many fear that once agricultural land is diverted, it is permanently lost to construction, impacting future generations.
Farmer representatives have urged the administration to engage in dialogue with villagers and explore alternative locations that do not affect crop production.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the allotment of fertile land to the BSF highlights the delicate balance between national security and civilian welfare in Jammu and Kashmir. While the need for robust security infrastructure cannot be denied, political leaders like Mehbooba Mufti argue that such goals should not undermine farmers’ livelihoods and agricultural sustainability.
As the debate intensifies, all eyes are now on the J&K administration to see whether it reconsiders the decision or proceeds with the allotment amid growing political and public opposition.
Resource: The Times of India
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