The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) has sparked political controversy after demolishing the house of a 72-year-old man who happens to be the father of a local journalist. The incident has prompted Jammu and Kashmir's Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary to demand an immediate investigation into the matter.
Political Backlash and Probe Demand
Deputy CM Choudhary visited the family of journalist Arfaz Daing in Jammu's Narwal area and publicly urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to order a thorough inquiry. "The police, which provided support for the demolition, was yours, the JDA vice-chairman has been appointed by you," Choudhary told mediapersons, questioning how officials could carry out such action without approval from higher authorities.
Choudhary emphasized that the elected government had not authorized the demolition, stating clearly: "We, the elected government, are openly saying that we did not order it." He demanded the suspension of officers involved in the demolition pending the investigation and called for examining call data records of senior BJP leader Ravinder Raina, who reportedly claimed having discussed the matter with the L-G.
The Demolition Incident
The controversy began on Thursday when JDA officials, during an anti-encroachment drive in Transport Nagar area, demolished the single-storey house of 72-year-old Ghulam Qadir Daing. Local residents claimed they had been living in the area for over four decades and alleged that no prior notice was served before the demolition.
The Deputy CM strongly condemned what he called "selective" and "vindictive" measures targeting journalists and the poor. He assured that the government would not tolerate officers acting without proper authority and promised accountability for those responsible.
Broader Political Implications
Choudhary used the incident to highlight the ongoing power dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating the National Conference's demand for restoration of statehood to end the dual power system. "When we said that we were not allowed to work smoothly, this is exactly what we meant," he stated, adding that "speaking the truth has become an offence" in the current environment.
The Deputy CM also praised local resident Kuldeep Sharma, who offered land to the affected family to rebuild their home, calling it an example of Jammu's traditional brotherhood. "This is an example of brotherhood in Jammu, where, according to a legend, the lion and the goats once drank water together," Choudhary remarked.
The incident has raised serious questions about administrative overreach and the protection of democratic institutions, with Choudhary warning that suppressing the fourth pillar of democracy would have long-term consequences for governance in the region.
