NEW DELHI: Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari – President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has condoled the demise of renowned journalist and human rights activist Kuldip Nayar. In a statement issued to the media the Jamaat chief said: ‘’we offer our condolences at the sad demise of Kuldip Nayar. He was a pillar of democracy and communal harmony in our country. A fearless journalist who upheld and fought hard for the freedom of the press, Kuldip Nayar was a champion of minority rights and an outspoken critic of communalism and fascism. He had a very harmonious relationship with Jamaat leadership and contributed a column ‘Between the Lines’ in Radiance Viewsweekly for almost 20 years. He was also a founder member of the ‘’Forum for Democracy & Communal Amity (FDCA) and was actively involved in strengthening democratic values and promoting communal amity. He always stressed the need for social contact and communication between the Hindu and Muslim community and was an ardent supporter of human rights and justice for the oppressed and downtrodden. With his death the nation has lost a staunch democrat and human rights activist even as Jamaat will dearly miss a sincere friend and well-wisher. He was a vocal advocate of cordial relations between India and Pakistan and was active till his last days towards its realization’’. Maulana Umari said that: ‘’despite difference of opinion on some issues we highly respect his efforts. We share the grief of his family members and hope that his legacy will be preserved by his admirers and followers by defending and upholding the noble values he cherished and fought for’’.

Issued by

Media Department

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind