ST NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR: A delegation of the Voice of Weeklies Kashmir, headed by its Coordinator Shakeel Azad, on Saturday visited the residence of Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Media Coordinator in the Information Department, to express condolences over the demise of his father-in-law, who passed away recently after a brief illness.
The visit was marked by a solemn atmosphere as senior editors and representatives from various weekly newspapers of Kashmir gathered to share the grief of the bereaved family and extend their heartfelt sympathies. The delegation conveyed collective condolences on behalf of the journalistic fraternity, emphasizing the values of solidarity, compassion, and mutual support that bind media professionals together, especially during moments of personal loss.
During the condolence meeting, Shakeel Azad expressed deep sorrow over the loss and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul. He said that losing a family elder is an irreparable loss, and such moments remind society of the importance of standing together in times of grief. “On behalf of Voice of Weeklies Kashmir, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Shabir Ahmad Bhat and his family. We pray that Almighty Allah grants Jannat-ul-Firdous to the departed soul and gives patience and strength to the bereaved family to bear this loss,” he said.
The delegation included prominent editors and media personalities from across Kashmir. Among those present were Mohammad Shahid Dar, Editor Street Times; Shabnam Fayaz, Editor Mashaal Times; Javid Ahmad Dar, Editor Kashmir Tribune; Bilal Ahmad Darzi, Editor Srinagar Samachar; Manzoor Ahmad Baba Editor People of Kashmir; Mehraj-ud-Din Dar, Editor Nida-e-Kashmir; Arshid Mir, Editor Kashmir Headlines; Fayaz Ahmad Mir, Editor Victory of Kashmir; and Abdul Rashid War, Editor Saheed i Azaadi.
Each member of the delegation individually conveyed condolences to Shabir Ahmad Bhat and other family members, recalling the moral responsibility of journalists not only as professionals but also as members of a closely-knit community. They highlighted that such condolence visits strengthen human bonds beyond professional affiliations and reinforce the shared cultural and ethical values of Kashmiri society.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Shahid Dar said that the media fraternity in Kashmir has always stood together in times of joy and sorrow. “Today’s visit reflects our collective commitment to support one another. Shabir Ahmad Bhat has been a bridge between the Information Department and the media, and we share his grief as our own,” he remarked.
Shabnam Fayaz noted that empathy and compassion are integral to journalism, adding that standing with colleagues in times of loss is as important as standing for truth in professional life. Other editors echoed similar sentiments, offering prayers for the departed soul and words of comfort to the grieving family.
Shabir Ahmad Bhat, while thanking the delegation, expressed gratitude for the gesture shown by the Voice of Weeklies Kashmir. He said that the presence of senior editors and colleagues during this difficult time provided immense emotional strength to the family. “Your visit and prayers mean a lot to us. It is reassuring to see the media fraternity united not just in professional matters but also in human compassion,” he said.
The condolence meet concluded with collective prayers for the departed soul, seeking divine mercy and forgiveness. The delegation also prayed for patience (Sabr) for the bereaved family to endure the loss with fortitude.
The visit by the Voice of Weeklies Kashmir once again highlighted the spirit of unity and brotherhood among journalists in the Valley. At a time when the media industry faces numerous professional challenges, such gestures underline the importance of human connection and mutual respect, reminding all that beyond headlines and deadlines, empathy remains the strongest bond uniting society.