Srinagar, Feb 19: The Jammu & Kashmir Government has disclosed that several of its high-value properties in New Delhi, Amritsar and Haryana are under unauthorised occupation, prompting concerns over the management of these prime assets.
In a written reply to a cut motion moved by Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Gani Lone, the Minister in-charge of the Hospitality & Protocol Department informed the House that 96 kanals of J&K’s property at Rajaji Marg, known as “Kashmir House,” are currently occupied by the Military Engineering Service under the Ministry of Defence. The government owns a total of 114 kanals and 11.2 marlas at the site, out of which only 18 kanals are presently in its possession after retrieving a portion in June 2023.
The Minister further revealed that land measuring around 32 kanals and 9 marlas at Daimganj, Amritsar, has also faced encroachment. While a significant portion has been recovered following court orders, approximately 8 kanals and 5 marlas remain under occupation and are subject to ongoing litigation.
Additionally, the government has initiated legal proceedings to reclaim 1,251 kanals and 4 marlas of land in the Mangla area of Sirsa, Haryana, which had been leased out in the late 1960s. The case is currently at the final stage of arguments before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The disclosures underline continuing legal and administrative efforts by the J&K Government to regain control of its properties outside the Union Territory. (Agency)
