In a remarkable display of interfaith solidarity, Kuldeep Sharma, an army veteran and Hindu resident of Jammu, has donated a plot of land to Arfaz Ahmed Daing, a Muslim journalist whose house was recently demolished by authorities. The demolition, which took place on Thursday, November 27, 2025, by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), has sparked outrage and accusations of selective targeting.
Sharma, a resident of the Jewel area of Jammu, announced the transfer of his five marla (approximately 1362 sq. ft.) land in Amgrodha, Jammu, to Daing on Friday, November 28, 2025. He visited the Daing family with his daughter, Tanya Sharma, to hand over the land papers and other legal documents. The emotional moment was marked by "moist eyes" as Sharma vowed to uphold Hindu-Muslim unity in Jammu, a region known for its history of communal tensions.
Daing's house was demolished on the orders of the Jammu Development Authority in the presence of police. Daing, who runs a news portal called News Sehar India with a significant social media following, alleged that the demolition was an act of "selective targeting" by the authorities. Reports suggest the demolition occurred after Daing published reports implicating a police officer in a drug smuggling case. The JDA labeled the demolished structure as an encroachment on government land.
Sharma, while sitting on the rubble of Daing's house, stated that his decision was rooted in humanity, not religion. He expressed that upon learning about the journalist's plight through media reports, he felt compelled to help. Sharma emphasized the importance of Hindu-Muslim unity, stating that no political party should be allowed to divide the people. He criticized politicians for inciting division and threatened to withhold his vote if such politics continued. Sharma also called the demolition a conspiracy and urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to resign.
The donation has been widely lauded as a symbol of "Kashmiriyat," a secular, syncretic cultural tradition emphasizing communal harmony. Social media has been flooded with a video of the land transfer, with many praising Sharma's gesture as an example of unity in the face of adversity.
Political figures have also weighed in on the demolition. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the action, comparing it to the targeting of minorities. She stated that Daing's home, built 40 years ago, was unjustly destroyed. Omar Abdullah accused Raj Bhawan-appointed officials of acting without the consent of the elected government and alleged that the demolition was designed to defame his administration and selectively target a community.
Kuldeep Sharma's act of kindness has resonated deeply in the region, offering a message of hope and unity amidst political turmoil and accusations of communal bias. His donation provides Daing and his family with an opportunity to rebuild their lives and stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood in Jammu and Kashmir.
