Archive · 3 Nov 2025
Ladakh Residents Lead Land Purchases in J&K Post Article 370 Revocation
Imagine a region where only locals could buy land to protect their homes.
After a big change in the rules in 2019, people from outside this region were allowed to buy land.
Surprisingly, many people from a neighboring area called Ladakh, who used to have similar rules protecting their land, have become the biggest buyers in the new region.
While people from other parts of India also bought land, the majority of these new buyers are from Ladakh.
This is happening even though people in Ladakh are also protesting against outsiders buying their land.
Some big companies and individuals have bought larger pieces of land for businesses, while others have bought smaller plots.
Residents of Ladakh have become the largest group of non-local land buyers in Jammu and Kashmir since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
A total of 631 non-residents have purchased 386 kanals of land valued at approximately ₹129.97 crore in Jammu and Kashmir.
Around 350 of the 631 non-local buyers are from Ladakh, with a significant number from Kargil.
While non-residents from various Indian states have bought land, those from Ladakh constitute the majority, particularly in Kashmir.
The change in land ownership rules followed the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and the revocation of its special status, which previously prohibited non-residents from acquiring property.
- Who
- Residents of Ladakh, particularly from Kargil, along with individuals from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Jharkhand, Delhi, and Bihar.
- What
- Purchasing land in Jammu and Kashmir after the revocation of Article 370 and 35A, which previously restricted non-residents from buying property.
- When
- Since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, with the first non-resident purchase recorded in 2020.
- Where
- Jammu and Kashmir, specifically in the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley.
- Why
- The revocation of special status removed restrictions on land ownership for non-residents, and government incentives like stamp duty concessions have been offered.
Concerns over Outsiders Buying Land
Changes Post-Article 370 Revocation
Land Protection for Locals
Concerns over Outsiders Buying Land
Ladakhis and Kashmiris are historically opposed to outsiders buying land and have protested to protect local land rights.
Changes Post-Article 370 Revocation
Following the revocation of Article 370, restrictions on non-residents buying land in Jammu and Kashmir were removed, leading to increased sales.
Demographic Impact
Concerns over Outsiders Buying Land
Concerns exist about potential demographic changes and loss of local identity due to non-local land purchases.
Changes Post-Article 370 Revocation
The data shows a significant number of non-local buyers, with a notable portion originating from Ladakh itself, indicating a complex pattern of internal and external migration/investment.
Government Policies
Concerns over Outsiders Buying Land
Protests in Ladakh demanding land and job safeguards highlight local anxieties.
Changes Post-Article 370 Revocation
The LG's administration is believed to be actively encouraging land purchases by non-residents, and the government has offered incentives like stamp duty concessions.
- Total non-resident land buyers
- 631
- Total land purchased by non-residents
- 386 kanals
- Total value of land purchased
- ₹129.97 crore
- Number of buyers from Ladakh
- ~350
- Land purchased by Ladakhis in Kashmir
- Majority of non-local buyers
- Land purchased by Ladakhis in Jammu
- One-third of non-local buyers