Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Saturday questioned the alleged purchase of land on the outskirts of Srinagar by a non-domicile for a hotel project, asking the government to explain how the transaction was permitted.
Reacting to what he described as an attempt by a ruling party leader and the Chief Minister’s Advisor to “brush aside” his recent revelation, Bukhari said the government should instead provide clear answers regarding the land transaction.
“Who allowed a non-domicile to purchase this land? Who facilitated the deal? Who processed and approved the revenue records? And, who authorised the transaction?” Bukhari asked.
He said the Revenue Department is under the direct control of the Chief Minister and argued that the government cannot evade responsibility or “hide behind political statements”.
“People deserve to know how such a land purchase was allowed in the first place,” he said.
Bukhari further said that if the purchase was found to have taken place in violation of applicable domicile or land laws, those responsible for facilitating or enabling the transaction should be identified and held accountable.
He demanded that the government order a transparent inquiry into the matter and make its findings public “in the larger interest of J&K and its people”.
The controversy centres on allegations regarding a hotel project and the purchase of land near Srinagar. The claims have not been independently established, and the legal status of the transaction would depend on the nature and classification of the land, applicable regulations and permissions granted by the competent authorities.
The issue comes amid an ongoing political debate in Jammu and Kashmir over land ownership, outside investment and the implementation of the Union Territory’s post-2019 land laws. Recent reports have also cited official data showing that non-residents have purchased land in J&K since 2019.
