Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 7: A delegation of representatives of land owners of Karewa Damodar (Old Airport) along with some prominent social activists led by Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat met GOC 15 Corps, Lt. Gen. ADC Aujla here and apprised him about the problems being faced by the affected families whose land has been acquired by the Defense Estates Department eight years back but the payment is yet to be released.
“We had a very cordial meeting with Lt. Gen. Aujla who on spot took up the matter with Defence Estates Department and assured that farmers whose land has been acquired will be compensated suitably soon and he would soon call a meeting on the issue with the concerned officials,” Dr. Bhat said adding that they also requested the GOC to rehabilitate the families of most affected people who lost their land.
It is pertinent to mention here that land measuring around 3879 kanal located around Old Airport Srinagar also called Karewa Damodar which belongs to around 500 plus families of Wathoora, Kralpora, Buchroo, Rangreth, Gogo and other adjoining areas of Budgam district was acquired by Defense Estates Department.
Prior to 2013 the land owners were paid annual rent by Army through Defence Estates Department from 1957 and in 2013 the government decided to acquire the land which was already in possession of the Army.
“The Deputy Commissioner Budgam directed the Defence Estates Officer (DEO) Kashmir Zone through his official communication on 11.07.2015 to make a payment of Rs. 690 crore so that the same would be disbursed among the affected farmers and landowners. This was mutually agreed upon but eight years have passed since then and the payment is yet to be disbursed,” said Shanir Ahmad Sofi, president Zamidaran Committee Karewa Damodar.
“The case is in its final stage and the matter is said to have been resolved by the DG Defence Estates Department and the Union Cabinet but as we farmers have no access to this high profile office, we are unaware when the payment will be released. The GOC has now given us a hope and we are sure that 500 plus families will get justice soon,” Dr. Bhat maintained.
The vice president of Zamindar Committee Karewa, Mohammad Ameen Kuchay along with prominent RTI activist from Budgam Mushtaq Ahmad Lone were part of the delegation.
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