It has often been observed that whenever a natural disaster or crisis strikes Jammu and Kashmir, the worst sufferers are the people living in border, hilly, and remote areas. These are communities already struggling with limited resources, underdevelopment, and government neglect. When calamities occur, they lose everything—their homes, their land, their livelihoods.
At such times, political leaders and governments rush with assurances and make lofty announcements. Promises of relief, rehabilitation, and development echo from every corner. But with the passage of time, these promises fade into oblivion, and the affected people are left to fend for themselves with nothing but broken hopes. In this context, the recent announcement by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, regarding the allotment of five marla plots to landless victims of floods, landslides, and cloudbursts, is indeed a welcome and encouraging step. Having a piece of land provides a sense of dignity and security, and can mark the beginning of a new life for those who lost everything.
However, the crucial question remains: will this announcement be implemented on the ground, or will it, like many before it, remain confined to press notes and paperwork? The people of Jammu and Kashmir have seen many such declarations in the past that never materialized, and thus every new promise is received with a mix of hope and skepticism.
The reality is that the UT Government operates with limited financial capacity. Allocating land alone is not enough; it must be supported by resources to build houses and ensure the availability of basic infrastructure such as electricity, water supply, and roads. Without these essentials, the land will remain a paper benefit and will not translate into real relief for the victims. Therefore, both the Union Government and the UT Government must work hand in hand to make this initiative a reality. The Centre, in particular, must provide liberal financial support so that this scheme does not become another hollow promise.
Equally important is the role of political parties. Instead of using such critical issues for political gain, they must prioritize the genuine needs of the affected. Repeated announcements without follow – through erode public trust and breed resentment. For the victims to rebuild their lives, what is required is not sympathy or rhetoric but transparent and committed action.
At present, Jammu and Kashmir seems to be caught in a double bind—on the one hand, the Centre’s policy gaps and resource constraints, and on the other, the UT Government’s administrative limitations. But the people cannot be expected to survive on excuses. They deserve concrete relief and rehabilitation, not just comforting words. If this latest announcement too fails to reach the ground, it will only deepen the disillusionment and despair among the already suffering population.
The urgent need of the hour is to ensure that the five marla land scheme is implemented sincerely, backed by adequate financial and infrastructural support. The Centre and the UT Government must devise a joint roadmap to bring timely and meaningful relief to the affected families. Otherwise, this announcement will also be lost in the pages of history, like many others before it.
This is the moment for governments to prove that their promises are not mere political tools but genuine commitments to the welfare of the people. The vulnerable and landless families of Jammu and Kashmir cannot afford another cycle of hope and betrayal. They deserve action, not words.DD
