“To: Shri Manoj Sinha Sahab, Hournrable Lieutenant Governor, Jammu & Kashmir & Jeenab Omar Abdullah Sahab, Hournrable Chief Minister, Jammu & KashmirDate: April 20, 2025From: Kundan Kashmiri, President, Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC.Subject: Immediate action is requested for enforcement of the Distress Sale Act for Displaced Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir valley —– Kundan Kashmiri, President KPC Sir, we, the Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC), representing the resilient voices of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community, earnestly appeal for the immediate and uncompromised enforcement of the Jammu and Kashmir Migrant Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection & Restraint on Distress Sales) Act, 1997. This legislation is not merely a statutory provision; it is a beacon of hope and justice for a community that has endured prolonged displacement and dispossession.Sir,the traumatic events of 1989-90 led to the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, resulting in the loss of homes, lands, and livelihoods. Despite the passage of over three decades, many of our properties remain encroached upon, illegally occupied, or were sold under duress, often termed as “distress sales.” These transactions, executed under coercion, have stripped us of our heritage and rights.Sir , the aforementioned Act designates District Magistrates as the legal custodians of migrant properties, empowering them to take necessary measures for their preservation and protection. While we acknowledge the restoration of properties to 610 families over the past five years, this represents only a fraction of the affected populace. The need for a more robust and comprehensive implementation strategy is evident.Sir, to address these enduring injustices, we respectfully propose the following measures:First, a comprehensive and uniform enforcement of the Act across all districts is essential. Clear guidelines should be established to prevent further exploitation and to ensure that the Act serves its intended purpose effectively.Second, a fast-track mechanism must be initiated to identify and return properties lost under coercion to their rightful owners. This process should be streamlined to facilitate timely restitution and to alleviate the prolonged suffering of displaced families.Third, stringent penalties should be imposed on individuals or entities found guilty of illegal occupation or obstruction in the reclamation process. Such deterrents are necessary to uphold the rule of law and to discourage future violations.Fourth, the establishment of an independent task force, free from political or bureaucratic influence, is crucial. This body should be dedicated to investigating and resolving cases related to distress sales and unlawful occupations, ensuring impartiality and justice.Fifth, transparent and accessible legal procedures must be developed to assist displaced families in reclaiming their properties. Minimizing bureaucratic hurdles will empower affected individuals to seek redress without undue hardship.Lastly, district administrations should be empowered to proactively identify, reclaim, and safeguard encroached properties. Ensuring their return to rightful owners under government protection will restore faith in the system and reaffirm the community’s connection to their ancestral lands.Respected Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister, the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community looks to your leadership with hope and anticipation. The implementation of these measures will not only restore our properties but also reaffirm our faith in justice and governance. We urge you to act decisively, ensuring that the rights and heritage of the Kashmiri Pandit community are preserved and protected.With profound respect and hope