Srinagar/Jammu, March 8 — The Jammu and Kashmir government came under scrutiny in the Assembly on Saturday after members questioned how 206 kanals of land in Kathua had been allotted to Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan’s company, Ceylon Beverages Limited, without the government's prior knowledge.
The company, which planned to establish an aluminum can and beverage filling plant with an investment of ₹1,642 crore, was granted the land at a premium of ₹8 lakh per kanal, according to reports.
During the Question Hour, CPI(M) MLA Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami alleged that the land had been allotted free of cost, a claim that raised further concerns.
Congress MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir also questioned how a foreign national was granted land in J&K.
“This is a serious question and needs to be looked into,” Mir said.
AAP MLA Mehraj Malik said, “It’s ironical that land from the natives of Jammu and Kashmir is being snatched. Today, we have an elected government. It is time to expose people who brought outsiders and given them land here.”
Responding to queries on land compensation and satellite townships being developed across Jammu and Kashmir, Dar feigned ignorance about the land being given to the Sri Lankan cricketer.
Agriculture Production Minister responded by stating that the issue falls under the Revenue Department and requires further examination.
Meanwhile, government sources revealed that Ceylon Beverages Limited has now applied to surrender the land.