520 migrants have returned to Kashmir after dilution of Article 370: Government in Rajya Sabha

The government on Wednesday said that it was taking steps to restore ancestral properties of Kashmiri Hindu migrants, who had left Kashmir in the wake of terrorist-related violence there. So far nine properties have been returned to the rightful and original owners, the Rajya Sabha was informed.

The government also said that as per the information shared by the administration of Jammu and Kashmir, a total of 520 migrants have returned to Kashmir after the dilution of Article 370 for taking up jobs under the PM Development Package 2015.

Union minister of state for home Nityanand Rai said under the Jammu and Kashmir Migrant Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection and Restraint on Distress Sales) Act, 1997, district magistrates are the legal custodians of such properties of migrants. “Regarding restoration of properties to its rightful and original owner, nine properties have been restored, as per the information provided by the government of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said in a written reply to a question.


Replying to another question, the minister said after the dilution of Article 370, all provisions of the Constitution have been made applicable in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Rai said as per the adapted land laws of J&K, the government may by notification in the official gazette allow transfer of land for public purposes such as education, healthcare and charitable activities.