- By Aditya Jha
- Sat, 29 Nov 2025 12:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
J-K News: A local journalist's house was demolished in Jammu after the authorities claimed that it was built on Jammu Development Authority (JDA) land, leading to a political row. Arafaz Ahmad Daing, the journalist, claimed that he was being targeted for his reporting on key issues such as cross-border drug trafficking. Daing further stated that he moved to this house after his own residence was demolished last year for the same reason. While reacting to the issue, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the JDA's action was an attempt to defame the elected government; however, the BJP stated that the authority does not come under the LG's jurisdiction.
Daing's Neighbour Gifts Him Land
In a gesture of solidarity, Daing's Hindu neighbour gifted him land, further slamming the chief minister for not exercising his power. "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," Kuldeep Sharma, Daing's neighbour, was quoted as saying by NDTV.
Political Row Over House Demolition
Abdullah stated that the action was a "part of conspiracy", adding that the authority cannot target a particular community. "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," CM 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?" the chief minister asked.
However, the BJP state chief Ravinder Raina asserted that the demolition order was not issued from the LG's office, further offering help to the locals. "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," Raina was quoted as saying by NDTV.