Moved by the generosity of Kuldeep Sharma—who offered five marlas of land to Arfaz Daing, a Jammu-based journalist whose house was demolished by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) on Thursday—a Kashmiri businessman has stepped forward with an even bigger gesture in return.
The 46-year-old businessman, who wished to remain anonymous, has offered Sharma a prized piece of land valued at around ₹1 crore as recognition of his philanthropic act.
“I was deeply moved by his gesture. At a time when people are fighting in the name of caste, creed, colour, and religion, Kuldeep Sharma has proved that humanity is alive,” said the businessman from Pampore in South Kashmir while speaking to a news agency.
The businessman said he has already spoken to Sharma about his offer. “I spoke to him over the phone this morning, and the moment I made the offer, he broke down in tears,” he recalled. “He told me he is not a rich man, yet he would do everything in his capacity to help Arfaz rebuild his home.”
He added that he plans to visit Sharma’s house in the coming days to formally hand over the land. “Not just land, I am ready to give my blood to Sharma. I cannot believe such humans exist on this earth. He rose above religious lines to help a Muslim man,” the businessman said emotionally.
Kuldeep Raj Sharma was moved after seeing viral images of Arfaz’s elderly parents pleading with authorities and his young children watching helplessly as their home was demolished. On Friday, he offered five marlas of his land to Arfaz to help rebuild the house razed to debris by the JDA.
“They demolished his home built on three marlas of land, so I gifted him five marlas. If they demolish this one too, I will give him ten marlas. Even if I have to beg, I will rebuild his home. He is my brother, not a stranger,” Sharma was quoted as saying.
The demolition of Arfaz Daing’s house has become a major issue in Jammu and Kashmir, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah alleging that the demolition drive was carried out without the approval of the elected government. (Agencies)
