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| Governor, CM, Ministers, others pay tributes to Sofi | | Shock and grief all the way as doyen of Urdu journalism passes away | | Early Times report
Jammu, Nov 15: The demise of the doyen of Urdu journalism, Sofi Ghulam Mohammad, the Chief Editor of leading Urdu daily Srinagar Times has been widely mourned by all sections of society including the Governor, Chief Minister, Ministers, legislators and political leaders.
The Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra, has expressed grief over the death of the veteran journalist and Chief Editor, Daily Srinagar Times, Sofi Ghulam Mohammad, who passed away in Srinagar this morning.
In a condolence message, the Governor said that he was saddened to learn about the demise of Sofi Sahib who, he said, had made a valuable contribution to the development of Urdu journalism in the State. The Governor, who had known Sofi Sahib for many years, conveyed his deep condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah has expressed his deep and heartfelt grief over the sad demise of veteran journalist and chief editor of Srinagar Times, Sofi Ghulam Mohammad, who breathed his last during the intervening night at SKIMS.
In his message, the Chief Minister said Mr. Sofi has made distinguished contribution in the field of journalism spanning over a period of five decades. He said that Sofi started his newspaper at a time when journalism was in its initial stages in the State and there were only few newspapers.
Recalling the fearlessness with which Mr. Sofi wielded his pen, the Chief Minister said that Sofi always expressed his free and frank opinion through the columns of his newspaper, without holding any kind of bias or prejudice. Mr. Omar said that Sofi will not only be remembered as a journalist of repute but, was also one of the well-known writers of the Valley. He said that Sofi’s association with a number of literary and social organizations made him an active social worker dedicated to the cause of the well being of the society.
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad has expressed his condolence on the sad demise of Sofi. In his condolence message, Mr. Azad said that Sofi was a brave, bold and an honest journalist, who always fought for the just rights of the people and dedicated his newspaper to the cause of public welfare. Mr. Azad said that Sofi’s long journey in journalism shall be remembered not only by the people of J&K but, also outside the state where he was widely read and appreciated. He said that on several occasions, he himself had appreciated Sofi’s hard hitting editorials, which were based on the day-to-day events and public issues.
Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand said that Sofi’s demise was a personal loss to him as he has lost a dear friend, who never compromised on principles during his long tenure of working as premier journalist of the leading newspaper of the State. He said that throughout his life, Sofi faced a lot of hardships but kept aloft the flag of journalism based on truth.
Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather said that the veteran journalist earned public applause for his mind-blowing write ups. He said the contribution of the great journalist would continue to inspire the budding journalists.
The Minister said that Mr. Sofi, who was also an ace legislator, has also contributed a lot in the parliamentary history of the State and espoused the cause of people boldly without any fear.
Minister for Revenue, Relief, and Rehabilitation, Mr. Raman Bhalla, said that Mr. Sofi highlighted the good public issues people boldly without any fear.
Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mr. Devender Singh Rana, while condoling the demise of Sofi Ghulam Mohammad, has said that Mr. Sofi was one of the brightest stars in the galaxy of journalists in the State. He said that Mr. Sofi’s death has created a deep vacuum in the journalist fraternity, which will take a long time to be filled, adding, “Journalist like him will serve as a guiding light for the future generations”.
Minister, for R&B, Mr. G. M. Saroori has said that the intellectual touch of Mr. Sofi was evident in his speeches while raising public issues in the State legislature, as also in his write ups.
Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora described late Sofi as a bridge between people and the Government, adding that he has contributed a lot in nurturing fair journalism in the State.
Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir describing Sofi sahib as a spokesman of public sentiment, the Minister praised his efforts in institutionalizing journalism in the State. He said through his fearless pen Sofi made Srinagar Times a household name and evolved it as a spokesman of peoples’ aspirations through lucid write ups, editorials, comments and hard news.
Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo described Mr. Sofi a bold Journalist who highlighted the sufferings of the people through his writings.
Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad described Sofi Sahib as one of the pioneer in the field of journalism who through his writings catalyzed a silent social change in the society. He said Mr. Sofi’s contribution in public life would be long remembered.
The Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone and Deputy Chairman, J&K Legislative Council, S. Arvinder Singh Micky, also expressed grief over the demise of veteran Journalist Sofi Ghulam Mohammad.
Minister of State for Hajj and Auqaf Mr. Aijaz Ahmad Khan, Minister of State for Power Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani and Minister of State for Cooeratives Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma have also condoled the demise of Mr. Sofi, terming it a great loss to the State.
MLA Kulgam, Mohmmad Yousuf Tarigami described Sofi as a core professional, who set a new trend of fair and fearless journalism in the State. He expressed hope that the young and upcoming journalists of the State would be benefited for long from his inspirational write ups and independent commentaries.
The Director General of Police, Mr. Kuldeep Khoda has also condoled the demise of Sofi Sahib
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