Highlights
- Journalist Arfaz Daing’s 40-year-old house demolished by JDA for “encroachment”.
- Hindu neighbour Kuldeep Sharma offers him a bigger piece of land.
- Political leaders condemn the demolition and call it “selective targeting”.
- Civil society groups visit the family to show support.
House Demolished by Jammu Development Authority
In Jammu’s Narwal area, journalist Arfaz Ahmad Daing lost his home after the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) demolished the house, saying it was built on “encroached land”. The house had stood for around 40 years.
The JDA is led by Vice Chairman Rupesh Kumar, appointed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Several political groups and activists visited the family and said it looked like “selective action”.
Hindu Neighbour Steps Forward with Land Offer
After the demolition, local resident Kuldeep Sharma, who is a Hindu, came forward to support the journalist. He offered a five-marla plot to the family so they would not remain homeless. He said,
“Their house built on three marlas was demolished. I am ready to give five marlas of land. I could not tolerate seeing the family living under the open sky.”
Sharma also added that if the authorities try to demolish again, he will offer even more land. He also said,
“ওরা যদি পাঁচ মারলা ভাঙে, আমি ১০ মারলা দেব। জম্মুর ভ্রাতৃত্ব কেউ নষ্ট করতে পারবে না।”
Translation: “If they try to demolish five marlas, I will give 10. No one will be allowed to destroy Jammu’s brotherhood.”
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Sharma Criticises Divisive Politics
Sharma strongly criticised what he called “divisive politics” and questioned why Hindu–Muslim hatred is being encouraged.
He also asked J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to resign if he cannot control government departments.
BJP Leader Also Opposes the Demolition
Senior BJP leader Ravinder Raina visited the site and said that the demolition was wrong and done without notice. Said,
“আমরা ভাঙচুরকে সমর্থন করি না। আমরা পরিবারের পাশে আছি। ভারতে মানবতা, ঐক্য ও ভ্রাতৃত্ব রাজনীতির আগে আসে।”
Translation: “We do not support demolitions. We stand with the family. In India, humanity, unity and brotherhood come before politics.”
Mehbooba Mufti Criticises Targeting of Minorities
Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the action and said it reflects a dangerous trend of targeting minorities:
“এটি উত্তর প্রদেশ নয়। এটি জম্মু-কাশ্মীর। আরফাজ ৪০ বছর আগে তিন মারলা জমিতে বাড়ি বানিয়েছিলেন, আর তা সেকেন্ডের মধ্যে ধ্বংস করে দেওয়া হয়েছে।”
Translation: “This is not Uttar Pradesh. This is Jammu & Kashmir. Arfaz built a modest home 40 years ago on three marlas, and it was crushed into rubble in seconds.”
She added that rejecting the PDP’s anti-bulldozer bill has now resulted in such consequences.
Civil Society and Community Leaders Unite in Support
Many groups visited the demolished house to express solidarity, including:
- Madadgaar Humanity Foundation
- Former DIG Ashok Aatri
- Ex-corporator Sobat Ali Choudhary
- Congress leader Raman Bhalla
- Shia Federation representatives
- Lawyers led by Advocate Sheikh Shakeel
Advocate Supriya Singh Chouhan said the demolition appeared selective and called for judicial action. She said,
“আগে বাড়ি বানিয়ে দিন, তারপর আইনি প্রক্রিয়ায় ভাঙুন। সব অবৈধ বাড়ি ভাঙুন, শুধু বাছাই করে নয়।”
Translation: “First build the house and then follow due process to demolish it. Demolish all illegal houses, not selective ones.”
She also warned that such actions leave long-term psychological impact on children.
Journalist Known for Reporting on Drug Rackets
Arfaz Ahmad Daing is known for reporting on the illegal drug trade in Jammu and for exposing officials, including policemen, involved in narcotics supply.
Source: The Hindu
