Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari, President Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, on August 23, condoled the demise of renowned journalist and human rights activist Kuldip Nayar. The Jamaat chief, in a statement, 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.”
Jamaat statement added: “Nayar had a very harmonious relationship with Jamaat leadership and contributed his celebrated column “Between the Lines” to Radiance Viewsweekly for almost 20 years. He was also a founder member of the Forum for Democracy and 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 communities 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 realisation.”
Maulana Umari further said: “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.”