Vikram Randhawa’s Remarks: BJP Legislator’s Comments on Kashmiris ‘Illegally’ Occupying Land in Jammu and Kashmir Spark Political Row

Jammu, February 15: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed heated scenes on Friday, February 13, 2026, after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vikram Randhawa claimed that residents from the Kashmir Valley are "illegally occupying" vast tracts of government land in Jammu city. The remarks drew sharp condemnation from the ruling National Conference (NC) and other opposition parties, who accused the legislator of stoking regional and communal divisions.

During the Assembly’s Question Hour, Mr. Randhawa alleged that approximately 90% of the land belonging to the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) currently under encroachment is occupied by people from the Kashmir Valley. He estimated the total encroached area at over 16,000 kanals (roughly 2,000 acres). Tourism in Jammu-Kashmir Shows Steady Growth, Records 1.78 Crore Visits in 2025.

"The J&K government should probe and take action," Mr. Randhawa stated, describing the alleged occupations as a "sinister move to change the demography of Jammu." He clarified that while there is no objection to Kashmiris purchasing land legally in the city, the use of government property for settlement was unacceptable.

Government Response and Statistics

Social Welfare Minister Sakina Itoo, responding on behalf of the Chief Minister, provided official figures that partially contested the scale of the claims while acknowledging existing encroachments. According to government records, 688 kanals in Bahu tehsil and 579 kanals in Jammu South tehsil are currently under illegal occupation. Jammu and Kashmir: Suspected Pakistani Drones Spotted in Poonch and Samba, Forces on High Alert.

Ms. Itoo emphasized that these encroachments are not a recent phenomenon and that the administration is actively working to retrieve the land under the Public Premises Eviction Act. She reported that since January 2025, authorities have conducted 34 anti-encroachment drives, successfully recovering 140 kanals of JDA land.

Sharp Political Reactions

The BJP legislator’s comments were met with an immediate backlash from the treasury benches and various opposition members. Minister Itoo urged legislators not to view administrative issues through a "regional lens," stating that J&K should not be divided on such grounds.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed-ur-Rehmaan Parra accused the BJP of "spreading politics of hate." He argued that all citizens of Jammu and Kashmir have the right to live anywhere within the Union Territory and called for the regularization of land for the homeless, regardless of their faith or regional origin.

Similarly, NC legislator Altaf Kaloo noted that many Kashmiris living in Jammu are affluent individuals who have legally purchased property, suggesting the BJP's narrative was a mischaracterization of the Valley's residents.

Context of Ongoing Tensions

The controversy comes amid a sensitive period for the J&K Assembly, which has seen frequent clashes over issues of identity, land rights, and statehood. Outside the House, Mr. Randhawa doubled down on his statements, accusing the government of withholding the full list of encroachers to protect specific interests. The session concluded with the government assuring the House that disciplinary actions have already been taken against several JDA officials for negligence or alleged involvement in facilitating illegal land occupations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 15, 2026 11:13 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).