Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Dec 18: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today opposed the allotment of fertile land in Puchal village of Pulwama district to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), saying security camps should not be established in the middle of inhabited villages and on land that has sustained locals for generations.
Speaking to reporters during her visit to the area, Mufti said the land includes orchards and is crucial for the survival of villagers. “You can see how many trees are here. There are apple trees and almond trees. And when floods come here, this is a place for people to survive,” she said.
She described the proposed transfer of land as unjust, particularly at a time of rising unemployment. “In such a situation, giving so much fertile land to the CRPF in this way, that too in the middle of the village, is not good. Security forces should not reside in the middle of the village,” she said.
Mufti said her party had introduced a land bill in the Assembly to prevent fertile land from being taken over in the name of strategic requirements. “That is why we brought a bill. We thought that the land here should be preserved for the people here so that, in the name of a strategic area, security forces or others do not get a chance to build their camp on it,” she said.
She criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his remarks on the bill. “Unfortunately, Omar said that we have brought this bill for land grabbers. I do not think Kashmir or Jammu people are land grabbers. This is their right,” Mufti said.
Raising concerns about the future of local residents, the former Chief Minister said, “The population is going to increase. Where will these people go?” She added that while land may be required for security forces, alternatives should be explored. “No doubt, they have to give land to the CRPF. Where? Wherever there is barren land, they should give it. Will they give us such gardens?” she asked.
Mufti urged the Chief Minister to step in, calling it his responsibility. She said she would also take up the matter with the Defence Minister.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
