Jammu Journalist's Home Demolished: Hindu Neighbor's Land Gift Highlights Political Controversy in Kashmir

A political controversy has erupted following the demolition of a journalist's house in Jammu, with the journalist claiming the action targeted him for his reporting work, particularly on cross-border drug trafficking.

Authorities demolished journalist Arafaz Ahmad Daing's home with a substantial police presence, stating the structure was illegally built on Jammu Development Authority (JDA) land.

Daing explained to reporters that the demolished house was 40 years old and belonged to his father. He had moved there after his own residence was demolished in the previous year.

In 2022, Daing, who operates a news portal in Jammu, was arrested for covering protests against a demolition drive in the town.

As footage of Daing being taken away by police while bulldozers destroyed his home spread online, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah characterized the incident as a conspiracy to damage the elected government's reputation. He placed blame on officials appointed by the Lt Governor for conducting demolitions without proper authorization. "No one supports encroachment on government land. But there cannot be a pick-and-choose approach by the JDA. I see a clear design to defame and discredit the elected government," Abdullah stated.

"It is happening as part of a conspiracy. A particular community is being targeted. Was this the only place in Jammu where encroachment had taken place?" Abdullah questioned. He has requested a comprehensive list of illegal encroachments in Jammu from the JDA.

Former Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina described the demolition as "selective" and promised full support to affected residents. "Our Prime Minister believes in giving houses to the poor, not demolishing them. We will ensure all help," he affirmed.

Raina attributed responsibility to the elected government, claiming, "The Lieutenant Governor has not used the bulldozer. I spoke to him and he said no such orders were issued. Where did the order come from? I won't politicise it."

Amidst this controversy, a remarkable act of solidarity occurred when Daing's Hindu neighbor Kuldeep Sharma gifted him a plot of land. "I will not let down my brother. Whatever it takes, I will rebuild their home. I am giving this plot to him. They have destroyed his home on a three Marla plot. I'm gifting him a five Marla plot," Sharma declared.

Sharma criticized the Chief Minister for failing to exercise his authority, suggesting that if Abdullah cannot prevent such demolitions, there is no purpose in him remaining in office.

The Jammu and Kashmir government recently revealed in the Assembly that over 16,000 kanals of JDA land is currently under encroachment in Jammu.

"The total JDA land under encroachment is 16,212 kanals and two marlas. In respect of Jammu Municipal Corporation, eight kanals and 16 marlas of land at Chatha are under encroachment," stated the Chief Minister's written reply in the Assembly.