Srinagar: 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 come forward with an even bigger offer in reciprocation of Sharma's gesture.
The 46-year-old businessman, who does not want to be named, has offered a prized piece of land valued at around Rs one crore to Sharma as recognition of his gesture. "I was 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, who hails from Pampore town in south Kashmir, news agency KNO reported.
It said the businessman said he has already spoken to Sharma about his offer. "I spoke to him over the phone in the 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 is planning to visit Sharma's house in the coming days to formally offer him 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.
Moved by viral images of Arfaz's elderly parents pleading with authorities and his young children watching helplessly, Kuldeep Raj Sharma had offered five marlas of his land to Arfaz on Friday for rebuilding the house razed by the JDA.
"They demolished his home 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 claiming that the demolition drive was carried out without the approval of the elected government. (KNO)