Archive · 30 Nov 2025
J&K Journalist's Home Demolished, Political Row Erupts
A journalist named Arafaz Ahmad Daing had his home demolished by the Jammu Development Authority because they said it was built on their land.
The journalist said the house had been there for 40 years and belonged to his father.
People got very upset, including the chief minister and political party leaders.
They argued about whether the demolition was fair or if it was done to target certain people.
After the demolition, a kind neighbor who is Hindu gave the journalist a new piece of land to build his home again.
The neighbor also said he would help rebuild the house.
The journalist had been in trouble before for reporting on protests about demolitions.
The PDP party said the chief minister should not blame others but should take action to help people.
Journalist Arafaz Ahmad Daing's home was demolished by the Jammu Development Authority for alleged encroachment on government land.
The JDA claimed the house was built on its land and the demolition was part of a routine exercise to remove encroachments.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accused officials of targeting specific communities and defaming the elected government.
BJP leader Ravinder Raina blamed the elected government for the demolition and denied the lieutenant governor's involvement.
PDP spokesperson Mehboob Beg criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for not taking action and instead raising questions, urging him to act urgently to help people rendered homeless.
- Who
- Journalist Arafaz Ahmad Daing and his family, Jammu Development Authority, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, BJP leader Ravinder Raina, neighbor Kuldeep Sharma, PDP spokesperson Mehboob Beg
- What
- Demolition of Daing's home and subsequent political row
- When
- Demolition occurred on Thursday (specific date not mentioned), notices issued on October 29 and November 18
- Where
- Jammu’s Narwal area, Jammu and Kashmir
- Why
- JDA claimed the house was built on its land; political row erupted over the manner of demolition and government's response
- Journalist's Name
- Arafaz Ahmad Daing
- Location of Demolition
- Jammu’s Narwal area
- Demolishing Authority
- Jammu Development Authority (JDA)
- First Notice Date
- October 29
- Second Notice Date
- November 18
- Neighbor's Name
- Kuldeep Sharma
- Plot Size Gifted
- Five Marla
- Previous Demolition
- Daing's house in Bhatindi demolished in 2023
Sources
J&K: Row erupts after journalist’s home demolished, Hindu neighbour gifts him plot
J-K journalist’s home razed in demolition drive; neighbour steps in and offers 'five marlas of land’
PDP attacks CM Abdullah, asks him not to ‘hide behind’ lieutenant governor
Jammu journalist’s home demolition ‘not ordered by elected govt’: Deputy CM calls for probe
