Intense protests erupted in Newa Pulwama as hundreds of residents voiced their opposition to the transfer of 4834 kanals of government land for the construction of a new campus of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar. Protesters, including women, children, and elderly citizens from Dafarpora, Lonepora, Parigam, Zadoora, and other neighboring villages, marched through the streets following Friday prayers, condemning the government’s decision as a threat to their livelihoods and economic stability.
The disputed land is home to fertile apple and almond orchards, a cornerstone of the region's agricultural economy. Protesters fear that losing this land would devastate their livelihoods, making thousands of farmers unemployed.
"This land is the result of our hard work and sweat. Taking it away will destroy our lives," said Shabir Ahmad Lonepori, a local resident of Lonipora Newa . He appealed to the government to reconsider the project and protect the community’s economic rights. Echoing his sentiments, Haji Gh Mohd, another protester, stated, “This land supports our children’s education and our livelihood. If taken away, our future is in jeopardy.”
The protesters urged the government to identify alternative land for the NIT campus to avoid damaging their fertile agricultural lands.
Assistant Commissioner Pulwama, Shahbaz Ahmad, acknowledged the growing concerns and stated that a survey committee had been formed to assess the land for the project. The committee, led by tehsildars from Pampore, Kakapora, and Pulwama is tasked with preparing a detailed report for the administration. However, the announcement of the survey has intensified locals' fears of displacement and loss of livelihood.
The controversy has highlighted the tension between the government's development plans and the community’s economic interests. While the establishment of a new NIT campus is viewed as a major development initiative, residents argue that it must not come at the cost of their primary source of income and agricultural heritage.
The protesters have warned that they will continue their demonstrations until their demands are met. They called on the administration to prioritize people’s welfare and find a balanced solution that ensures development without jeopardizing local livelihoods.
The Pulwama land issue underscores the need for a strategic approach to reconcile development with the preservation of community interests. Whether the administration can resolve this standoff remains to be seen.