Allotment of land to Sri Lankan cricketer in J&K triggers questions in Assembly

Jammu, Mar 8: The issue of allotment of land to a former Sri Lankan cricketer in Jammu & Kashmir echoed in the Legislative Assembly, with members questioning the government over it.
During the Question Hour, CPI(M) MLA Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami claimed that a Sri Lankan cricketer has been allotted land free of cost by the J & K government in Kathua.
Congress MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir also asked the government how a non- Indian cricketer has been allotted land in J&K.
“This is a serious question and needs to be looked into,” he said.
Responding to concerns of MLAs, minister for Agriculture Production Department Javaid Ahmad Dar said that the matter needs to be looked into.
“This matter pertains to the Revenue department,” he said.
The Ceylon Beverages Limited, promoted by Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan, has been allotted 206 kanals of land at Kathua against a premium of Rs eight lakh per kanal.
It had to set-up an aluminum cans and beverages filling plant involving investment of Rs 1642 crore.It was expected to generate jobs for 500 people.
Sources in the J&K government disclosed that Ceylon Beverages Limited has now applied for surrendering the land. (KNO)