J&K government faces backlash over land allotment to former Sri Lanka cricketer

The Jammu and Kashmir government has come under heavy criticism following reports that former Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan's company, Ceylon Beverages, has been allotted 25.75 acres of land in Kathua district without any cost. The land has been allocated for a Rs 1,600 crore bottle-filling and aluminium can-manufacturing unit, raising concerns among opposition lawmakers who have questioned the fairness and legality of the decision.

Several opposition leaders have strongly opposed the reported land grant, calling for transparency and accountability. CPI (M) MLA MY Tarigami questioned the rationale behind giving away such a large portion of land without any financial requirement, demanding a response from the government. Congress legislator GA Mir went a step further, describing the situation as “serious” and calling for an investigation.

"How can a foreign national be given land in India without spending anything? This is a matter of public concern and must be properly investigated," Mir asserted, emphasizing the need for scrutiny in government policies.

Government defends its stance but lacks clarity

In response to the opposition’s concerns, Minister for Agriculture Production Javed Ahmad Dar downplayed the issue, stating that it falls under the revenue department’s jurisdiction.

"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," Dar said, suggesting that further details may be required before an official statement can be made.

Debate over investment policies in Jammu and Kashmir

The controversy has reignited the debate on Jammu and Kashmir’s investment policies, with critics arguing that economic development should not come at the cost of transparency and fairness. While the government has actively encouraged investments to boost local employment and infrastructure, opposition leaders believe that foreign investments must be handled with strict regulatory oversight.

As the issue continues to gain attention, political pressure is mounting on the government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the land allotment. With opposition leaders demanding an investigation, the matter is likely to remain in the spotlight, raising important questions about governance, transparency, and land allocation policies in the region.

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