Dr. Bukhari’s absence will be greatly felt in intellectual circles for a long time
Islamabad: Veteran human rights activist and chairman Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani has paid eulogizing tributes to noted Kashmiri journalist and thinker Dr. Shujjat Bukhari on his 3rd martyrdom anniversary.
In a statement issued here on Monday, the KIIR chief, while recalling Dr. Bukhari’s multifaceted personality said, “He was a journalist par excellence, a generous friend, a prolific writer, thinker, deeply immersed in Kashmir’s cultural ethos, and a gentleman of impeccable integrity”.
“Above all Dr. Bukhari was a thorough professional who rose to prominence as one of the leading voices of Kashmir due to his hard work, focused determination, and uncompromising commitment to social justice”, Wani said adding that apart from his matchless services in the field of journalism Dr. Bukhari was the most sought-after political commentator on Kashmir subject and has been a part of various conferences and discourses held on Kashmir at regional as well as international level. A gifted speaker, he made an impression at public events given his command over English, Urdu, and Kashmiri—a big advantage for a journalist and prominent civil society leader.
“He was widely respected for his balanced opinions and enjoyed a great deal of respect within political and intellectual circles on both sides of the dividing line (LoC)”, the KIIR chief said adding that as an ardent advocate of peace and justice Dr. Bukhari’s absence would be greatly felt in the intellectual circles for a long time.
Mr. Wani while terming his assassination as a national loss said that the wonderful legacy left behind by Dr. Bukhari would continue to inspire the new generation of Kashmiri journalists and writers who were scripting Kashmir’s bloody history by risking their own lives.
