Journalist’s house demolished in Jammu; PDP, CPI(M) condemn move

A team of Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and police demolished the house of a journalist in Jammu on Thursday, November 27, 2025, drawing severe criticism from J&K political parties and lawyers, who alleged that the action was selective.

A team of Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and police reached Narwal, Jammu, to demolish the house of local journalist Arfaz Daing, officials said. However, the journalist claimed that he had not been given any prior notice of demolition.

“Earlier, my house in Bathindi was demolished. I put on a brave face. I moved to my parents’ house. This house was also demolished. The house existed for more than 40 years. This is a selective journey. Only one house was demolished. Is my house the only illegal house in the entire city of Jammu?” Mr. Daing said.

The journalist said he asked for time from the JDA team but was rejected. “This is a message to those who practice fair and honest journalism. Obey them, or your shelter will be taken away from you. Building a house is not easy,” he added.

Top lawyers in Jammu, including Sheikh Shakeel and Zulkarnain Choudhary, condemned the JDA’s move and termed it selective.

“The direction of the J&K High Court is clear that any action against rapists must start from the bigwigs. Around 20 lakh channels She was raped in J&K. However, one person stood out. No one can justify rape, but JDA must take action against all major violators and follow rules and procedures,” Mr. Shakeel said.

Mr Shakeel called on J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to issue a statement on this initiative and hold officials accountable for their ‘selective actions’.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para also condemned the JDA’s move. “J&K government should stop this bulldozing exercise and review its decision to reject PDP’s land regularization bill. Houses are life, not lines to be erased,” Mr. Parra said.

CPI(M) leader and legislator MY Tarigami said the alleged demolition, which was carried out without prior notice, was extremely worrying. “If his (Arfaz Daing) allegations are true, this reflects a serious breakdown in the legal process. No authority can bypass the procedure established by law. Accountability must follow,” Mr. Tarigami said.