Jammu, March 08: Legislators on Saturday urged the government to hold a discussion in the Legislative Assembly regarding the land allotted to a Sri Lankan cricketer in Kathua, though the cricketer was not named.
Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, MLA Kulgam, said that there should be a proper procedure for land acquisition, which, according to his information, is not being followed. He stated that in Kathua, land has been acquired in multiple blocks.
“ Reports suggest that a large plot of land has been allotted to a former Sri Lankan cricketer, and that too without any compensation. This is deeply concerning. Is the land of Jammu and Kashmir available for international sale? This is not acceptable,” he said. “The land belongs to the people here, and they should benefit from it. Proper compensation should be provided.”
Tarigami further said that similarly in Srinagar, where land has been acquired for projects such as Smart Townships and the Ring Road. “Tell me, who will settle there? We must question the government. After all, for whom are these townships being developed? Farmers are losing their land, which is essential for agriculture,” he said.
He said that farmers’ land is being taken for granted. “That is why I raised this question. Many members and leaders from different parties have expressed their concerns and demanded a thorough discussion on this matter within the Assembly.”
When asked about the claim that the land was allotted under the industrial policy, Tarigami responded, “I have simply requested for a discussion on this. Was the land given for free, or was there a payment involved? What procedure was followed? We need clarity from the government.”
Meanwhile, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Congress leader and MLA from Dooru, called the issue a serious matter. “It is serious concern that land has been allotted to a non-Indian cricketer in Kathua, and that too without compensation. We request the Speaker to allocate time for a discussion on this matter,” he said.
Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javaid Ahmad Dar, responded by saying that the issue falls under the Revenue Department and is not within his knowledge. “If such an allotment has taken place, it should be checked to determine the details of the matter,” he added.
