While political rhetoric started on the demolition of a journalist’s house in Jammu, a Hindu neighbor gifted his plot to the journalist. According to the police, the journalist’s house was demolished because he was being targeted for his reporting, including drug smuggling from across the border. Journalist Arfaz Ahmed Ding’s house was demolished in the presence of a large number of police, as officials said the illegal structure was on Jammu Development Authority (JDA) land.
While talking to the media, Arfaz told that the now demolished house was built 40 years ago and its owner was his father. He went to live in this house after his own house was demolished last year. Arfaz was arrested by the police for reporting on the protests against the demolition drive in the city in 2022. He runs a news portal in Jammu.
‘Conspiracy to defame the government’
When the video of police taking away Arfaaz and demolishing his house with a bulldozer went viral, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called it a conspiracy to defame the government. He accused the officers posted by the Lieutenant Governor of demolishing the houses without any permission. The Chief Minister said that no one supports the occupation of government land. But JDA cannot work as per its own wish. I see a clear plan to defame and defame the elected government.
CM Abdullah said that this is happening as part of a conspiracy. A particular community is being targeted. Was this the only place in Jammu where occupation took place? He has asked from JDA a complete list of illegal encroachments in Jammu.
‘Our PM believes in giving houses’
Former BJP Chief of Jammu and Kashmir Ravinder Raina described the demolition as ‘selective’ and assured full help to the people living there. He said that our Prime Minister believes in giving houses to the poor, not in demolishing them. We will ensure all kinds of help.
Ravinder Raina blamed the elected government for this action and said that the Lieutenant Governor did not use the bulldozer. I spoke to him and he said that no such order was issued. Where did the order come from? I will not politicize it.
Neighbor plotted gift
At this time, a unique example was seen in the state when Arfaz’s Hindu neighbor Kuldeep Sharma gifted him a plot of land. He said that I will not disappoint my brother. No matter what happens, I will rebuild their house. I am giving this plot to them. They have demolished his house on a three marla plot. I am gifting him a five marla plot.
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