Asset division between J&K, Ladakh done mutually: Omar

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday acknowledged that there had been relatively less distribution of assets to Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 and the division of the erstwhile state into two UTs. He, however, emphasised that the government’s approach had been to ensure asset distribution between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh through mutual understanding and cooperation.

Omar was responding to questions in the Assembly regarding the perceived “unfair” distribution of assets after the reorganisation of the state. On a related query by NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq, the CM highlighted that disputes over asset distribution were not uncommon, citing the unresolved issues between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as an example.

“They were separated long ago and they are still fighting over asset distribution,” he said, adding that Jammu and Kashmir aimed to avoid such prolonged conflicts. “Our effort is to ensure that Ladakh and J&K resolve these matters through mutual understanding and a spirit of give and take,” he stated.

The Chief Minister also provided details about specific properties affected by the asset distribution. He informed the Assembly that following the transfer of the main buildings of Jammu and Kashmir House in New Delhi to Ladakh, a significant portion of the guest house at Chanakyapuri has also been allocated to Ladakh. “As a result, J&K now has limited accommodation available at J&K House, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi,” he said.

To address the accommodation shortage, Omar revealed that the government had acquired a 3,179.58 sq m plot on a perpetual lease from the Delhi Development Authority in Dwarka, New Delhi. This would help meet the accommodation needs of J&K officials and visitors in the national capital.

Regarding properties in Chandigarh, the CM informed the House that J&K owned a property in Sector 17, which would be redeveloped after obtaining necessary permissions. He assured that arrangements would be made to provide proper accommodation for patients travelling to Chandigarh for medical treatment. Omar also emphasised that the new constructions would reflect J&K’s architectural heritage and traditional Kashmiri cuisine would be made available. Additionally, efforts would be made to employ more locals from J&K in these establishments.

Omar further mentioned that the government was exploring possibilities to create additional accommodation at 5 Prithviraj Road in New Delhi to address the growing accommodation needs