Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - Live
Told to vacate official bungalow, says Mehbooba, opposes order
SRINAGAR: Former Jammu & Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has been asked to vacate Fairview bungalow, her official residence in Srinagar, the party said on Friday. Officials familiar with the matter indicated that said Mehbooba would be provided an “alternative accommodation” on security grounds, if required.
The house on Gupkar Road, overlooking Srinagar’s Dal Lake, was allotted to Mehbooba’s father and former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in 2005.
“The notice to evict from Fairview was served to me a few days ago. This has not come as a surprise and is along the expected lines,” Mehbooba told news agency PTI.
“This place was allotted to my father in December 2005, after he relinquished the chief minister’s office. So the grounds mentioned by the administration are not correct... I do not own a place where I can stay. So I have to consult my legal team before making a decision,” she added.
The notice, issued by the office of the deputy director, estates, Kashmir, said: “Kindly find enclosed notice... dated 15-102022, issued under sub-section 1 of section 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1988, read with amended Act, 2016.
“...It is to be communicated to your goodself, that should you require an alternative accommodation, the Government is willing to provide the same on your request, on security or other ground(s).”
Mohit Bhat, a PDP leader, said the Gupkar Road house was provided to Sayeed on security grounds in 2005 as he wanted to move to his personal residence. “This accommodation has nothing to do with perks of CM or ex CM but purely is on security grounds and threat,” he added.
The Fairview residence was previously an interrogation centre called PAPA-II, and it served as an official guest house till 1989. It was named so after the Border Security Force occupied it in 1990.
While officials in the administration refused to comment on the matter, people familiar with the case pointed out that former chief minister Omar Abdullah had also vacated the official house after he was served a notice by the government.