Kashmir Govt May Revoke Land Transfer Deal Today

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, June 30: The pro-Indian government of Kashmir is all set to revoke the controversial decision to transfer of 40 acres of forest land to the Hindu shrine board.

There is indication from the government circle that the Kashmir government may rescind the land transfer order to the Hindu shrine board on Tuesday. If the revocation is ordered, it will put an end to the crisis that Kashmir has been witnessing for the past eight days. People in Kashmir have been observing strike and protesting against the land transfer for the past eight days.

Meanwhile, the Congress party, which is leading the government in Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi, has sought to blame former Governor S K Sinha for the land transfer controversy by stating that he has a track record of fuelling problems.

Senior congress woman leader, J Natarajan told media in New Delhi, "It is not the policy of the Congress to make any strong comment about the constitutional office of Governor but wherever Gen Sinha has worked - earlier in Assam and now in Jammu and Kashmir - there has always been a situation which stoked communal passions".

Natarajan was commenting on the crisis caused by the Jammu and Kashmir government to transfer about 40 hectares of land to Hindu shrine board, headed by Governor, for facilities for pilgrims.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.