Jammu, Feb 25 (IANS): Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed surprise at the criticism against the minimal property tax being imposed in the union territory when people here buy iPhones, use Internet data and play video games.

While speaking at the launch of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) on Friday, Sinha said that the property tax imposed in Jammu and Kashmir is the lowest in the country and still there is hue and cry over it.

"People buy iphones, use Internet data and play video games. Even those who are capable of paying the taxes don't want to pay."

He said that the amount collected from property tax will be used for welfare and development of the people.

All political parties with the exception of the BJP have opposed the imposition of property tax.

Four former Chief Ministers -- Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mehbooba Mufti -- have called the measure as "anti-people".