Srinagar, Feb 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has disclosed that several of its high-value properties in New Delhi, Amritsar and Haryana are under unauthorised occupation, raising concerns over how these assets slipped out of its control.
In a written reply to a cut motion moved by Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Gani Lone, the Minister in-charge of the Hospitality and Protocol Department said that a significant portion of “Kashmir House” land in New Delhi is currently occupied by the Military Engineering Service under the Ministry of Defence.
The government owns 114 kanals and 11.2 marlas at Rajaji Marg in the name of Kashmir House. Of this, 96 kanals are under the control of the Military Engineering Wing functioning under the Ministry of Defence. The matter has been repeatedly taken up with the Estates Department and the Defence Ministry.
The Minister stated that 1 kanal and 11.2 marlas were under unauthorised occupation and were retrieved on June 5, 2023. At present, 18 kanals are in the possession of the J&K Government and house staff quarters.
In Amritsar, around 32 kanals and 9 marlas at Daimganj, Tapai Road, were found to be under unauthorised occupation. Following legal action and orders from a district court in Amritsar, the government recovered about 14 kanals and 11 marlas from Raminder Singh Buloria and 9 kanals and 13 marlas from Balbir Sharma.
However, land measuring 2 kanals and 15 marlas remains under the occupation of Kuldip, while approximately 5 kanals and 10 marlas are under Raminder Pal Singh. These cases are currently pending before civil courts. Execution proceedings are underway, and the remaining 8 kanals and 5 marlas are expected to be recovered after final adjudication, with assistance from the Revenue Department and local authorities.
The Minister also informed the House that the government has initiated legal proceedings to reclaim 1,251 kanals and 4 marlas of land in the Mangla area of Sirsa district, Haryana. The land was leased out in the late 1960s to Bajwa Brothers. Alleged violations of lease terms, including non-payment of rent, led the government to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The case is currently at the stage of final arguments.
