Daijiworld Media Network – Jammu
Jammu, Nov 28: In an extraordinary act of compassion and communal harmony, a Hindu resident of Jammu, Kuldip Sharma, has gifted five marlas of land to journalist Arfaz Ahmad Daing after the latter’s house was demolished by authorities on Thursday.
Daing’s home was razed by the Jammu and Kashmir administration over alleged encroachment, leaving his elderly parents, wife, and three children homeless. The journalist, who runs the digital news portal Nees Seher India, claimed the action was retaliation for his recent reports linking a police officer to suspected narcotics smugglers in a major cross-border drug trafficking case.
Shaken by the visuals of the demolition and the family pleading for time, Sharma stepped forward with a rare gesture of solidarity.
“I have gifted 5 marlas of land to Arfaz. The revenue documents are ready and registered,” Sharma said. “It is my land, and I am giving it to my brother so he does not remain helpless.”
Deeply moved by the family’s plight, Sharma said he was determined to ensure they rebuild their home.
“Even if I have to beg, I will help them. If they demolish this too, I will give him 10 marlas. Please don’t oppress people. His small children are on the road,” he said, urging people to uphold humanity above all.
His daughter, Tania Sharma, expressed pride in her father’s decision and called on the people of J&K to support families affected by demolition drives.
The overwhelming support from locals has brought relief to the displaced family.
“We have no tension now because the people of Jammu are with us,” said Arfaz’s father. “Thousands have shown support since yesterday. Our unity is our strength.”
Daing, speaking earlier to The Telegraph, alleged that nearly 700–800 security personnel and four bulldozers were deployed to raze the house, suggesting motives beyond alleged encroachment. He said he was prevented from making calls and roughed up when he questioned the action.
“They want to teach journalists and social activists a lesson. If you show the truth, this is what happens,” Daing said.
Officials, however, maintained that the demolition was part of a broader anti-encroachment campaign. Daing contested this claim, stating that his family lived on the land for 40 years without receiving any notice. “Is my house the only illegal one in Jammu?” he asked.
The move triggered sharp criticism from civil society and political leaders, who questioned selective targeting. Senior BJP leader Ravindra Raina met the family and claimed the Lt Governor’s administration had issued no demolition order.
Meanwhile, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah alleged that officers appointed by Raj Bhavan were acting without approval from the elected government.
“Such actions clearly suggest an attempt to embarrass and undermine the elected government,” Omar said, adding that officials were misusing authority to target a particular community.
He sought a list of all JDA land under alleged illegal occupation across Jammu, questioning why only one house was singled out. “Is his religion the reason behind it?” he asked.
As the debate intensifies, the story of Kuldip Sharma’s compassion has emerged as a powerful reminder of Jammu’s enduring communal harmony — a gesture that has offered hope to a family left shattered overnight.