SRINAGAR: The Fisheries Rest House at Handwara has been under unauthorised occupation by BJP leader Javeed Ahmad Qureshi since January 8, 2021, the Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Department told the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday. The department said the matter has been referred to the Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, and is under examination for eviction and assessment of rent and penalties.
The department told the House that the rest house was used by security forces from August 8, 2020, to September 21, 2020, in connection with district development council elections. Thereafter, the premises have been occupied, without formal hire or rent fixation, by Javeed Ahmad Qureshi from January 8, 2021, to date, the reply states.
The department disclosed that no income has been realised from the Fisheries Rest House over the last three years. Because no rent was fixed during the period of occupation, no rent payments were received. A formal request for assessment of monthly rent and imposition of penalties, as admissible under rules, has been made to the Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, the reply adds.
Officials say the case has been taken up with the Deputy Commissioner and is under examination in his office. The department has sought fixation of rent and recovery of dues, and has communicated with district authorities and sectoral heads about unauthorised occupation of departmental buildings in the district.
The department emphasised that any action for eviction, rent fixation or recovery of dues will be taken strictly in accordance with law and applicable rules. The Estate Department procedure for hiring private houses has been cited in requests to the deputy commissioner for a rent estimate. The reply makes clear that the matter remains in the administrative and legal process rather than concluded.
The department said it is “continuously pursuing” the issue with the concerned authorities and will initiate eviction and recovery measures as per established procedure once the Deputy Commissioner completes examination and issues directions. The Assembly papers include copies of communications from the department to district authorities seeking assessment and action.
