Srinagar, June 19: Jammu and Kashmir government today said that it would take up with the Centre the issue of non-payment of compensation to the land owners whose land had been taken over by the security forces in frontier district of Kupwara. We are going to take up the matter with the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister, chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed told state assembly here today.

Replying to a calling attention motion, the Chief Minister termed the issue as serious saying Kupwara was the worst affected by militancy and the security forces had taken over the land in certain areas in extreme difficult situation.

However, the situation has improved and government would take up the matter with the Centre for granting compensation to the land owners.

He said, if the security forces require the land only on rent basis, they should pay the rent to the land owners.

Earlier raising the issue in the house, Mir Saifullah said land owners of the villages Hiri, Kupwara, Drugmulla and Chowkibal have not been paid compensation for the land taken over by the security forces.
Bureau Report