Jammu, Nov 28 (KNO): In a rare and heart-warming gesture, a Hindu neighbour of journalist Arfaz Ahmad Daing - whose house was bulldozed by Jammu Development Authority on Wednesday - has gifted 5 Marla (approximately 1,400 sq ft) land to him.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Kuldeep Raj Sharma, moved by the viral images of Arfaz’s elderly parents pleading with authorities and his young children watching helpless, took an extraordinary step that has touched thousands across Jammu and Kashmir. “I saw my brother’s family on the road. I couldn’t sleep that night,” Sharma told reporters with moist eyes.
“Today, I have transferred 5 Marlas of my land to Arfaz’s name through proper registered documents. They demolished his home on 3 Marla land, I gifted him 5 Marla land. If they demolish this one to, I will give him 10 Marla land. Even if I have to beg, I will rebuild his home. He is my brother, not a stranger,” he said.
In an emotional moment, Sharma declared; “Our communal harmony will never break. Jammu has always stood together – Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, everyone. We will not let anyone divide us.”
His daughter Tania Sharma, standing proudly beside her father, said, “I am extremely proud of my father. This is the real Jammu – where humanity comes before everything. I appeal to every citizen of J&K to stand with families losing their homes in such drives.”
The demolished house in the Bathindi area belonged to Arfaz Ahmad Daing, who runs a digital news platform ‘News Seher India’z Daing alleges the demolition was a retaliatory action for his fearless reporting on the drug mafia and other sensitive issues.
“I have been highlighting drug trafficking and corruption. This is the punishment for showing the truth,” he said, claiming no prior notice was served despite his family living on the land for over 40 years.
The demolition drew sharp political reactions, with Congress working president Raman Bhalla, senior leader and DCC Taranjit Singh Tony and others visiting the spot.
Bhalla termed the demolition as selective drive and said that government owes answer of its action. He said both the Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor must clarify their stance.
Former BJP Jammu & Kashmir president Ravindra Raina visited the family and expressed solidarity, stating that Lt Governor Manoj Sinha clarified no order for bulldozers came from his office.
According to KNO, former Councilor Sobit Ali, Ghulam Nabi Azad’s close aide Salman Nazmi, Advocate A K Sawhney, Advocate Sheikh Shakeel, NC leader Vikas Sharma, Social activist Safeer Choudhary, also reached the spot to console the family.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the action, calling it “selective targeting” and alleged a conspiracy to embarrass the elected government and stoke communal tensions.
“Why only one house in the entire Jammu? Is it because of his religion?” Abdullah questioned, demanding a complete list of encroachments across the city.
“I am not worried now,” said Arfaz’s elderly father, with his trembling voice. “The people of Jammu are with us. This unity has given us new life.”
In an era where division often dominates headlines, the actions of Kuldeep Raj Sharma and the overwhelming support from Jammu’s citizens stand as a luminous example of the enduring spirit of communal harmony in Jammu & Kashmir.
As Sharma embraced Arfaz like a brother in front of cheering neighbours, Arfaz said softly, “This is our Jammu. No bulldozer can demolish our love.” In the dust of demolition, Jammu has shown the nation what true brotherhood looks like—(KNO)