Land for Free? Row Erupts Over J&K Govt’s Alleged Land Allotment to Sri Lankan Cricketer

Srinagar: A major political row erupted in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday following reports that Ceylon Beverages, a company owned by former Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan, was allegedly allotted 25.75 acres of land in Kathua free of cost for setting up a Rs 1,600 crore bottle-filling and aluminium can-manufacturing unit.

The controversy surfaced during the Question Hour in the J&K Assembly when CPI (M) legislator M.Y. Tarigami and Congress leader G.A. Mir raised concerns over the land allotment. They demanded clarity on how a non-Indian cricketer received such a large parcel of land without apparent payment.

“This is a serious issue. If these reports are accurate, it raises major questions about transparency and fairness. How was this decision made, and on what grounds?” questioned Mir.

Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, who was fielding questions at the time, appeared taken aback by the revelations. “The government has no information on this matter. This falls under the revenue department, and we will look into it,” he assured.

The issue has intensified amid concerns about the treatment of landless residents in J&K. Legislators pointed out the stark contrast between this alleged “free land allotment” and the struggles of local families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-G). Under the scheme, landless families are entitled to just five marlas after stringent verification by the revenue department.

“If a foreign investor can get 25.75 acres at no apparent cost, why do our own landless citizens struggle to get just five marlas?” questioned an opposition leader.

Minister Dar responded by stating that under PMAY-G, 498 families had been allotted land across the Union Territory, while 442 applications remained under review. However, out of 3,673 applications, 2,727 had been rejected, fuelling allegations of discrimination.

As news of the controversy spread, public frustration mounted. Locals accused the administration of favouring foreign investors while neglecting the landless in J&K.

Abdul Rashid Khan (name changed), a daily wager from Kathua, expressed his anger. “I have been waiting for land under PMAY for three years. Every time, they say my application is under review. But now, we hear that a Sri Lankan businessman got land without any hassle. Is this fair?”

Shakeela Begum (name changed), a widow from Anantnag, voiced similar concerns. “I applied for just a small plot to build a house for my children. I was told to wait because there’s a shortage of land. If that’s the case, where did they suddenly find 25 acres?”

However, some locals see potential economic benefits. “If this factory actually gets built and provides jobs for our youth, then it’s a good thing,” said Manzoor Ahmad, a shopkeeper. “But if this is just another political deal, then it’s a betrayal of our people,”.

With opposition leaders preparing for protests, demands for a high-level inquiry have gained momentum. Activists and opposition leaders accused the administration of double standards.

“If true, this is an insult to the landless people of J&K,” said a local activist. “How can land be freely given to a foreign businessman while thousands of local families remain homeless?”

Minister Dar reiterated the government’s stance, he said “We will look into the matter to verify the facts”.

Insiders reveal that in 2024, Ceylon Beverages was allotted 206 kanals (approximately 25.75 acres) of land in Kathua to establish a Rs 1,600 crore aluminium cans manufacturing and beverages filling unit. The lease deed was executed with the concerned department. Reports suggest that Ceylon Beverages is Sri Lanka’s largest beverage processing and exporting entity, providing contract filling services to international brands such as Coca-Cola and Nestle.