Published: November 25, 2009
Father of Urdu Journalism in Kashmir Dies
By Fayaz Wani
Srinagar, Nov 25: Father of Urdu journalism in Kashmir and founding editor of a popular Urdu daily newspaper "Aftab", Khwaja Sonaullah Bhat passed away after a prolonged illness in Srinagar on Tuesday evening.
The funeral prayers for 87-year old bachelor, Sonaullah Bhat were held in Srinagar on Friday afternoon. Hundreds of people from all walks of life attended his funeral prayers. Top separatist and pro-Indian leaders also attended the funeral prayers.
Bhat was a fearless journalist and the entire journalistic fraternity in Kashmir is in deep mourning.
The chief minister Omar Abdullah, all pro-Indian and separatist leaders sent condolences for his death.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he was shocked to hear the news of Khawja's death and added that his loss was irreparable. "Kashmir politicians will miss the criticism of Bhat. His death had created a vacuum which cannot be filled," he said.
Born on November 14, 1922, Bhat started his journalism career in Pakistan controlled Kashmir (PcK's) capital Muzaffarabad wherefrom he published weekly newspaper "Kashmir". However, following differences with PcK government, he along with two others was pushed back into Kashmir in 1956. In June 1957 he started an Urdu weekly newspaper "Aftab" and converted it into daily newspaper on January 1, 1958.
Aftab had many firsts in journalism to its credit. It was the first newspaper in Kashmir, which was printed on offset press and started subscribing to Indian wire services. Bhat also introduced hawkers and home delivery of newspapers.
Bhat was the first editor in Kashmir to hire reporters, correspondents and photo-journalists and paid them. Some of the journalism and photo-journalism, whom he guided are presently working with different Indian and international news organizations.
He gave a new direction to subtle humour in journalism by penning down famous column 'Kazir Souchta Hey Wular Ke Kinarey', which he continued until he was shifted to hospital on November 6.
Considered the father of journalism (Baba-e-Sahafat) in Kashmir, he completely devoted his life to journalism. Besides being founding editor of 53-year-old Aftab, he was author of many books including 'Ahad Namae Kashmir'.
Braved tough times
Bhat braved the oppressive measures of various governments and never compromised his principles. He never hesitated in voicing his differences with the government on various issues.
After the eruption of militancy in Kashmir, the government on April 15, 1990 sealed the office of the newspaper and its printing press after filing a suit under the Prevention of Terrorist Activities law against the newspaper for fearlessly covering the events and publishing the reports of various militant outfits. He challenged the move and the ban was quashed. All newspapers published from Kashmir suspended their publications for 25 days in protest against the government action.
He and his newspaper had some difficult moments with several militant outfits. An attempt was made to blast the newspaper's Offset Press. However, he never compromised the interests of the newspaper against official concessions and, instead, held in high esteem the relations between the publication and its readers.
Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.
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