Punjab State Human Rights Commission seeks report from Patiala DC over land for burial ground

Tribune News Service

Patiala, October 10

The Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has sought a reply from the Office of Deputy Commissioner, Patiala, regarding the allocation of land for burial grounds to the Christian community.

The move follows a complaint by a Patiala advocate over the lack of proper space for burial.

The Municipal Corporation has already earmarked a chunk of land for the community near Ghalori Gate.

In a letter dated September 2, the State Human Rights Commission stated that it had received a complaint from Gurjit Singh, alleging that land measuring 2000 square yard in Patiala was used for a graveyard which is 125 years old.

In his complaint dated February 22, the complainant had claimed that the site did not have adequate room for performing the last rites and prayed for a new burial place, read the letter.

When contacted, Superintendent of the MC’s land branch Surjit Singh Cheema said the civic body had identified one acre land for the burial ground at Ghalori Gate.

“The proposal for the burial ground was passed in the MC General House. We have located the land and demarcated it. The same has been conveyed to the members of the Christian community,” said Cheema.

He said the land to be used for burial grounds remained a property of the corporation. “We will raise the boundary wall and cater to various other provisions as per the availability of funds. The boundary wall is yet to be constructed,” he said.