The Himachal Pradesh chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal came down heavily on the Indian Army and warned that he would fileda defamation suit against the defence for leveling allegations him stating that the Himachal Pradesh state government joined hand with the land mafia in grabbing the lands belonging to the defense.

Anguished over the allegation, Mr. Dhumal has met the prime minister Manmohan Singh to discuss the issue. Dhumal, who took up the issue seriously, is also likely to meet the defense minister A K Antony.  According to Dhumal, the army issued a statement alleging that his government was taking away Annandale military ground for setting up a cricket stadium and a hotel.

Further he said: "The ground factually belongs to the government of Himachal Pradesh and is under unlawful occupation of the army. The Durand Cup started from this ground in the 19th Century. It was given on lease of ten years to the army which was extended. But for the last 30 years the lease has not been renewed."

It may be mentioned here that the ground that is surrounded by thick woods has been under the control of the army since World Word II while Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) has been demanding the army to return the land to the Himachal Pradesh government. (Phani)