Controversy Over Ownership of Sufi Saint's Shrine Land

A land revenue officer in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, affirmed that the land housing the mazar of Sufi Saint Lakhdata Peer belongs to the state government. This statement comes amid ownership claims by the Waqf board. The Revenue Department is taking action to inform all relevant parties of the land's true ownership.

A land revenue officer in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, confirmed on Saturday that the land where Sufi Saint Lakhdata Peer's shrine is situated belongs to the state government.

Records from the Revenue Department for the year 2018-19 indicate that the land in Mahal Mahatani village is owned by the Government of Himachal Pradesh, not the Waqf board, said Hamirpur land revenue officer Subhash Kumar. Tensions arose when the forest department demolished the tomb on September 16, following the circulation of a video showing the committee's plans to build on the site.

Kumar emphasized that the Revenue Department is taking the necessary steps to make the Forest Department, the Lakhdata Peer Committee, and local residents aware of the land's legal status. He also urged the public to disregard any misleading information and maintain communal harmony.

(With inputs from agencies.)