'HP gave illegal land to foreigner'

Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee on Sunday accused the P K Dhumal government of giving away 98 bighas of land to a Nepalese citizen, a step that was in contravention of the land legislation in the state.

“The Dhumal government gave 98 bighas of land to Nepalese national Acharya Bal Krishan, who is constructing a five-star hotel on this land near Sadhu Pul, Solan," HPCC president Thakur Koul Singh said.

Under the Himachal Pradesh Land Tenancy Act 1972, non- Himachalis cannot purchase agricultural land in the state. Thakur said Congress will compile a land record against the government by March 31 and submit it to President Pratibha Patil through the party high command.