Srinagar, Nov 29 : In a striking act of compassion and communal harmony, a local resident of Jammu, Kuldeep Sharma, has donated a five-marla plot of land to Muslim journalist Arfaz Ahmad Daing, whose home was demolished during a recent anti-encroachment drive.
Sharma described the gesture as an effort to open a “shop of love” in a “market of hatred,” calling on people of all communities to embrace each other. “In this world of hatred … I see an opportunity to spread love,” he said while speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS).
He said that despite the demolition, the spirit of Kashmiriyat and brotherhood remains alive, a message he hoped would resonate across Jammu & Kashmir and the country.
The Daing’s house was razed on November 27 during a demolition drive. Daing who runs a news portal alleged the action was “selective” and claimed no prior notice was served.
The house Daing said belonged to his father and had stood for over 40 years. Following the demolition, Daing’s family including elderly parents, his wife and children were left homeless.
The next day, Kuldeep Sharma visited the family and offered them a five-marla plot of his own land, promising to help rebuild their home. A video of the hand-over went viral, drawing widespread praise for the gesture.
Sharma’s donation has been widely hailed as a rare example of inter-faith solidarity. “I will not let my brother remain homeless,” he said emotionally. “If this five-marla plot is also lost, I will give ten. Even if I beg, I’ll help rebuild their home.”
For Daing and his family, the gesture has restored hope. It has also sparked conversations about community, humanity and the power of compassion to transcend divisions. “This is not about politics or religion,” a neighbour said. “This is about humanity.”
The incident and the generosity of Sharma have struck a chord across Jammu and Kashmir. Citizens and activists say such acts show that ordinary people beyond communal and political fault lines still believe in brotherhood.
Some prominent figures from Kashmir have even extended further support: a Kashmiri businessman has reportedly offered a kanal of land (valued at around ₹1 crore) to Sharma as a token of appreciation for his selflessness.(KNS)
