Jammu, Oct. 28 -- Lifting the barrier on the purchase of non-agricultural land, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday notified the new land laws for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir triggering widespread condemnation from various Kashmir-based political parties who termed it as a huge betrayal and step towards putting "J&K up for sale".

Significantly, the new land laws were notified on the same day when the erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir had acceded with the dominion of India on October 26, 1947.

As per the new notification, the Centre has set no precondition like the requirement of Permanent Resident Certificate or Domicile Certificate on the purchase of land in Jammu & Kashmir, as existed under Article 370 for the outsiders...