Jammu, Nov 29, KNT: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday said the Jammu Development Authority must disclose who authorised the demolition carried out at the residence of journalist Arfaz Daing in Jammu, asserting that officers responsible will be held to account.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the journalist’s home, Choudhary said he was conveying the stand of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and made it clear that the elected government had not sanctioned the demolition.
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“The Chief Minister has been very clear that his government does not support actions driven by vendetta or personal targeting. JDA must clarify on whose orders this step was taken,” he said.
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The Deputy Chief Minister said the government functions strictly within the framework of the Constitution and respects the role of the media. He stressed that journalists have the right to express opinions and publish their work without fear.
“Silencing journalists strikes at the foundation of democracy. Any attempt to misuse authority to intimidate or harass will not be tolerated,” he said.
Choudhary also highlighted the human impact of the action, saying the demolition had caused severe distress to the affected family. He said accountability cannot be avoided by hiding behind processes or paperwork.
He added that a thorough inquiry has been assured and action will be taken against anyone found responsible for issuing unlawful directions.
The demolition has triggered political backlash at a time when the Chief Minister has publicly accused Raj Bhawan-appointed officers of running demolition drives without the consent of the elected government.
Omar Abdullah on Friday alleged that bulldozers were being deployed without ministerial approval and described such actions as selective and politically motivated. He said his government does not support illegal construction but strongly opposed what he called a “pick-and-choose” approach in enforcement.
Opposition parties and civil society groups have also raised concerns that recent demolitions in parts of Jammu and Central Kashmir are being carried out without transparency, proper notice or uniform application of the law.
The demolition at the journalist’s residence has intensified accusations that enforcement drives are being used selectively and without due process. [KNT]
