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Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Erupts Over Land Allocation to Former Sri Lankan Cricketer
In a recent session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, a heated debate ensued over the reported allocation of 25.75 acres of land in Kathua district to former Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan. The land has been earmarked for establishing a ₹1,600 crore bottling and aluminum can-manufacturing plant by Ceylon Beverages, a company promoted by Muralitharan.
Opposition Raises Concerns
During the assembly proceedings, CPI(M) legislator M.Y. Tarigami expressed concerns about the land allotment, highlighting that it was reportedly granted without any financial transaction. He emphasized the need for transparency and adherence to legal norms in such allocations. Similarly, Congress MLA Ghulam Ahmed Mir questioned the rationale behind providing land to a non-Indian cricketer without monetary consideration, urging the government to clarify the criteria and benefits of this decision.
Government’s Response
In response to the allegations, Jammu and Kashmir’s Minister for Rural Development, Javed Ahmad Dar, stated that the matter pertains to the revenue department and that he was not informed about the specifics of the land allocation. He assured the assembly that the government would investigate the issue to ascertain the facts and ensure that all procedures were followed appropriately.
Project Details
Ceylon Beverages, established in 2020 and promoted by Muralitharan, specializes in the production of aluminum beverage cans. The company manufactures various sizes of cans, catering to a diverse range of beverages, including mineral water, energy drinks, soft drinks, and flavored milk. The proposed investment in Kathua is expected to boost local employment and contribute to the region’s industrial growth.
Call for Transparency
The controversy has sparked a broader discussion on the need for transparency and adherence to legal frameworks in land allotments, especially when involving foreign entities. Opposition members have called for a thorough review of the allocation process to ensure that it aligns with the region’s development goals and benefits the local population.
