Arfaz Ahmed Daing
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| Born | Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
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| Occupation | Freelance journalist, investigative reporter |
| Employer | News Sehar India (NSI), The Chenab Times contributor |
| Known for | Investigative reporting on drug trafficking, sand mafia, human rights in Jammu and Kashmir 2025 house demolition controversy |
| Notable incident | Family home demolished by Jammu Development Authority on 27 November 2025 |
| Awards & recognition | 2025 symbol of interfaith harmony after Hindu neighbour gifted land |
| Website | thechenabtimes.com/topic/arfaz-ahmed-daing |
Arfaz Ahmed Daing (also spelled Arfaz Ahmad Daing) is a journalist based in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. He is recognised for his fearless reporting on drug trafficking, illegal sand mining and corruption in the region. In November 2025, Daing gained national attention when his family home was demolished by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), an incident condemned as an attack on press freedom and followed by an extraordinary act of communal harmony from his Hindu neighbour.
Career
Arfaz Ahmed Daing works primarily with News Sehar India (NSI). His investigative stories have exposed cross-border narcotics networks, the sand mafia operating along the Tawi river, police complicity in drug rackets, and land encroachment scandals in Jammu division.
In October–November 2025, Daing published a series of reports linking a serving Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) to an international drug cartel, leading to the officer’s transfer and a major seizure of narcotics. Many observers believe this reporting directly triggered the subsequent retaliation against him.
2025 House Demolition Controversy
On 27 November 2025, a team from the Jammu Development Authority, backed by heavy police contingent, demolished Daing’s 40-year-old family house in Narwal-Bathindi (Jammu) within hours of serving a one-day notice. The house sheltered his elderly parents, wife, and three minor children. Daing described the action as “selective targeting” since hundreds of similar structures on state land in the vicinity were left untouched.
The demolition drew sharp criticism from political leaders including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah (National Conference), M.Y. Tarigami (CPI-M), and several journalists’ bodies, who called it a blatant attempt to silence independent journalism in Jammu and Kashmir.
On 29 November 2025, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary announced a time-bound inquiry into the JDA’s actions.
Interfaith Solidarity and Land Gift
In a widely praised gesture of communal harmony, Daing’s neighbour, retired Indian Army soldier Kuldeep Kumar Sharma (also reported as Kuldeep Sharma), gifted 5 marlas (approximately 1,250 sq ft) of his legally owned land to Daing’s family on 28 November 2025. The deed was handed over publicly by Sharma’s daughter Tanya Sharma.
The emotional video of the moment went viral across India, earning praise as a shining example of Hindu-Muslim unity in BJP-ruled Jammu. In response, an anonymous Kashmiri businessman offered Sharma a residential plot worth nearly ₹1 crore as a token of gratitude.
Personal Life
Arfaz Ahmed Daing resides in Jammu with his wife, three children, and elderly parents.
References
- “Jammu Journalist Arfaz Ahmed Daing’s House Demolished; Omar Abdullah, Tarigami Slam Move”, The Chenab Times, 28 Nov 2025. http://thechenabtimes.com/topic/arfaz-ahmed-daing/
- “Hindu Neighbour Gifts Land to Journalist After House Razed in Jammu”, Greater Kashmir, 28 Nov 2025.
- “Officials must explain who ordered demotion of journalist’s house: J&K Deputy CM”, The Hindu, 29 Nov 2025.
- Viral video of land gift ceremony, 28 Nov 2025 (multiple sources).
External Links
- Arfaz Ahmed Daing – Latest News and Updates – The Chenab Times
- X (Twitter): @ArfazD
This article incorporates the latest updates as of 30 November 2025.
