As eviction fears grip Kashmir business community, top traders’ body says ‘this should not happen’

A growing unease has swept through Srinagar’s business community following the issuance of eviction notices by the government to several commercial establishments for their failure to renew leases or pay rent. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) has expressed concern that such actions could exacerbate the unemployment problem in the region.

KCCI President Javed Ahmad Tenga told The Indian Express, “This (eviction) should not happen. We are already facing huge unemployment and this will make more and more people unemployed.” The eviction notices were issued to businesses operating on Nazool land, which refers to government land leased out for specific periods and purposes, without transferring ownership rights.

One such notice was sent to the renowned Mohidin Trust building at Srinagar's Polo View, which houses 40-42 entities, each employing 2-4 people. Tenga emphasized the need for a mutually agreeable solution, stating, “We want the government to develop a framework for this. Whatever is possible within the legal framework, they should do – whether it is an increase in the (rent) rate or extension of lease.

We are not against that.” Nazool land covers over 7,000 acres in Jammu and Kashmir, with about 1,000 acres in Srinagar and over 6,000 acres in Jammu. The eviction notice given to the Mohidin Trust instructed them to vacate the premises by September 21, warning that failure to comply would result in eviction and the transfer of possession according to the Jammu & Kashmir Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1988.