Srinagar, Oct 03: Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Saturday questioned the purchase of land on the outskirts of Srinagar by a non-domicile for hotel construction, alleging that the government must explain how the transaction was allowed.
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 purchase.
“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, therefore, 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 had taken place in violation of the existing domicile and 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.”
