Jammu Demolition Sparks Hope: Neighbour Gifts Land to Journalist
Jammu Demolition Sparks Hope: Neighbour Gifts Land to Journalist
After a demolition drives bulldozed a journalist's home in Narwal, a neighbour steps in with land for rebuilding, as political tensions flare over the action.
A day after the Jammu Development Authority demolished the decrepit house of journalist Arfaz Ahmad Daing in Jammu's Narwal area, a neighbour stepped forward with a gesture of solidarity. Kuldeep Kumar, whose announcement video about the incident went viral, revealed that he would gift five marlas of land to Daing's family in Transport Nagar and assist with the construction. Kumar visitied the family with his daughter to reinforce the commitment and said he wants to ensure the journalist can rebuild his home. The development comes as part of an official drive by the JDA to clear encroached land across Jammu, a move the agency says is aimed at reclaiming government land and enforcing rules on encroachments. Daing, who runs a local news portal, has claimed the demolition was carried out without prior notice and viewed it as a message to journalists who speak truth to power. A day before, another structure was reportedly demolished in central Kashmir's Kangan, highlighting a broader pattern that has sparked political debate. Jammed between enforcement and free press concerns, the incident has become a flashpoint for discussions on due process and accountability. Kuldeep Kumar's generous offer has drawn praise online and from some quarters, amid varied political reactions. The episode has also intensified a public dispute between political leaders and the administration over who ordered the demolition and how such actions should be carried out. The Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, accused Raj Bhavan officials of conducting selective bulldozer campaigns to undermine an elected government, while Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary called for a full explanation of the order and responsibility behind the demolition. The controversy underscores ongoing concerns about land use, the protection of media workers, and the need for transparent action as Jammu and Kashmir continues to navigate governance and accountability questions. In the meantime, Daing’s family focuses on rebuilding, with Kuldeep Kumar's land offer presenting a tangible lifeline in a moment of political turbulence.
Cover image source: Jammu: Neighbour steps in with land offer after journalist’s home is razed in demolition drive 🔗
