Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 30: Veteran Journalist, Human Rights and Peace Activist Padma Bhushan Balraj Puri passed away in Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) this morning after a prolonged illness.
He is survived by his wife Subhash Gupta, daughter Ellora Puri and son Luv Puri. He will be cremated at Jogi Gate tomorrow at 4 pm.
Puri was known for his impartial and objective views. He wrote the best selling book “Kashmir towards Insurgency”.
Balraj Puri began his career in journalism in 1942 and since then has worked in or edited several publications. In his 68 years of public career, he played a crucial role in Indian politics.
He had mediated in the famous 1975 Sheikh Abdullah-Indira Gandhi accord.
Meanwhile, Governor NN Vohra has expressed grief over the demise of Balraj Puri. On receiving information about Puri’s passing away, the Governor spoke to his daughter and conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved family. He prayed for the departed soul resting in eternal peace and the Almighty giving strength to his family to bear this irreparable loss.
the condolence message, the Governor said Puri was one of the very few people who had a rare knowledge about every aspect of J&K’s history especially pre-1947 era and had dedicated his entire life to the cause of promoting peace, goodwill and communal harmony in the society. Recalling his very long association with Puri, the Governor particularly remembered the period when Puri authored the Regional Autonomy Report.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also expressed deep grief over the demise of Balraj Puri. He highlighted his contribution in various capacities for the betterment of J&K. Omar Abdullah in his condolence message has conveyed his solidarity with the bereaved family and expressed his sympathies with them. He prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
Former Union Minister and National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah has said that Balraj Puri’s demise was a huge loss not only to NC but the State and the whole country as the media and literature world has lost a shining gem.
Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha and former Chief Minister of J&K Ghulam Nabi Azad has condoled the demise of Balraj Puri. “Puri’s death has created a void in the intellectual circles of the State which cannot be filled so easily. A legend in his own right and an intellectual par excellence, he was a great believer in the pluralistic ethos and composite heritage of J&K”, he added.
Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Mubarak Gul condoled the demise of the veteran journalist. Paying rich tributes to the late journo, the Speaker described him a great professional and a noble soul and said his contribution will be remembered by the people of the State for times to come. The entire House expressed sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
Chairman, Legislative Council, Amrit Malhotra also condoled the demise of Balraj Puri. He said that Puri worked selflessly for the benefit of people and brought laurels to the State. The House expressed deep grief and sorrow on the sad demise and prayed for peace to the soul.
Deputy Chairman, Legislative Council, Javed Rana also expressed profound grief over the demise of Balraj Puri.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has condoled the demise of renowned scholar, public intellectual and thinker, Balraj Puri, who passed away in Jammu after a prolonged illness. He termed the death of Puri as a great loss to the society.
Former Union Minister and PCC president Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz has condoled the death of Balraj Puri. In his condolence message, Prof Soz expressed deep sympathies with the family members and prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to bear the shock.
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