After journalist Arafaz Ahmad Daing’s house was demolished in Jammu, a Hindu neighbour steps forward to gift a new plot, offering support and solidarity.
House Demolition Sparks Controversy
- On November 27, 2025, the home of journalist Arafaz Ahmad Daing in Jammu was demolished by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) with police support.
- Authorities claimed the house, built on government land, was illegal.
- Daing said the house had belonged to his family for nearly 40 years. His elderly parents, wife, and three children were left homeless after the demolition.
- The incident drew criticism, with many alleging it was targeted due to Daing’s reporting on cross-border drug trafficking and local corruption.
Public and Political Reaction
- Local leaders and civil society condemned the demolition, calling it selective and unfair.
- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the action, saying such demolitions should follow a transparent and consistent process.
- The event sparked debates on press freedom, fairness, and citizens’ rights, highlighting tensions around anti-encroachment drives.
Neighbour’s Gesture of Solidarity
- Amid the controversy, a Hindu neighbour, Kuldeep Sharma, gifted Daing a five-marla plot — larger than the original three-marla plot.
- Sharma said, “I will not let my brother be homeless,” and pledged to help rebuild Daing’s home, demonstrating interfaith solidarity.
- The gesture was widely shared on social media, praised as an example of community support overcoming religious or social differences.
Impact on the Journalist and Family
- Daing and his family now have land to start rebuilding, though the broader concerns remain:
- Fair treatment of citizens in demolition drives
- Protection of journalists
- Ensuring families are not left homeless without proper procedure
- Activists have called for a public list of all illegal constructions to ensure transparency in such drives.
Next Steps
- Daing’s family plans to rebuild with the help of Sharma and community support.
- The incident has prompted discussions on the need for fair legal procedures before demolition.
- Authorities have yet to respond publicly to criticism, leaving questions about selective enforcement and accountability.
The demolition of Arafaz Ahmad Daing’s house highlights the challenges faced by citizens when anti-encroachment drives intersect with long-standing homes. The neighbour’s generous act of gifting land, however, demonstrates the strength of community support and interfaith cooperation in times of crisis.
