The Muralitharan Land Allotment Controversy has recently emerged in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, capturing considerable attention from legislators. They raised questions regarding the government’s decision to allocate land to the legendary former Sri Lank an cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan in the Kathua district.
Muralitharan’s company, Cevlon Beverages, received land in Kathua’s Bhagthali Industrial Estate last year. This investment is part of a larger initiative that aims to channel over Rs 21,000 crore into the region. Reports indicate that Cevlon Beverages has been allotted 206 kanals (approximately 25.75 acres) to establish a Rs 1,600-crore aluminium can manufacturing and beverages filling unit in Kathua. The lease agreement was executed with the relevant department in June of the previous year.
Legislative Concerns Over Land Allotment
During the assembly’s Question Hour, CPI(M) legislator M Y Tarigami raised a pertinent question. He highlighted, “A Sri Lankan cricketer has been allotted land in J&K. How has this allotment been made?” This statement stirred a debate about the appropriateness of granting land to a non-Indian citizen.
Congress MLA G A Mir echoed these concerns, stating, “This is a serious issue and needs to be looked into.” His remarks reflect a broader apprehension regarding land allotment policies in Jammu and Kashmir.
Government’s Response to the Muralitharan Land Allotment Controversy
Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar responded to the legislators by clarifying that the government had no information suggesting that a former Sri Lankan cricketer received land “free of cost” in the Union Territory. He assured the assembly that he would investigate the matter further. “This is a matter related to the revenue department. We do not have any information, and we will look into it to know the facts,” he stated.
In a written response to Tarigami’s inquiry, Sakeen Masood (Itoo), the Minister for Health & Medical Education and other departments, mentioned that landless families are entitled to receive five marlas (approximately 1,355 sq ft) for housing under the Prime Minister Awas Yojana (PMAY). This allocation is contingent on verification by the Revenue Department.
Ongoing Debate and Public Sentiment
Tarigami contested the minister’s response, arguing that compensation for land acquisition is determined by the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act of 2013, currently in effect in J&K. A BJP MLA referenced a court ruling, asserting that compensation must also be provided to individuals occupying state land. Mir highlighted that many have lost their ownership land without any compensation in recent years.
The Muralitharan Land Allotment Controversy raises important questions about land policies and the allocation process in Jammu and Kashmir. As discussions continue, the implications for local residents and governance remain significant. For further insights, visit The Hans Bharat.
