Senior journalist Tariq Bhat passes away
Srinagar, Nov 4: Veteran journalist and The Week’s Senior Special Correspondent, Tariq Ahmad Bhat, 54, passed away in Srinagar on Tuesday morning following a cardiac arrest.
His family members said Bhat complained of chest pain at his residence early morning and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival around 8:30 am.
Hundreds of people, including journalists, civil society members, and political leaders, attended his Namaz-e-Janazah held in Srinagar.
He was later laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Dalgate.
The funeral drew an outpouring of grief from the media fraternity, with almost every journalist in Srinagar in attendance to pay their respects.
Known for his fairness, humility, and integrity, Bhat served The Week for nearly a quarter of a century.
He joined the Malayala Manorama Group on November 27, 2001, and remained one of its most respected voices from Jammu and Kashmir.
Before joining The Week, he worked with The Indian Express, where he established himself as a meticulous and insightful reporter.
In 2014, Bhat’s professional excellence was recognised when he, along with The Week’s former chief photographer Arvind Jain, received the International Press Institute (India Chapter) Award for Excellence in Journalism for their in-depth report on Dardpora, the “widow village” of north Kashmir, a story that brought rare sensitivity and depth to conflict reporting.
His final story, published in The Week on November 3, focused on the annual shift of the Jammu and Kashmir government to Jammu, a tradition known as the Darbar Move, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks about fulfilling one of his manifesto promises.
Kashmir’s journalistic community united in mourning the loss, describing Bhat in three words that echoed through every tribute: “Fair, fearless, and humble.”
Colleagues remembered him as a patient mentor and kind senior, always ready to guide younger reporters and newsroom trainees.
“He was unfailingly polite and never raised his voice. His depth of knowledge and his quiet strength inspired everyone at the desk,” said one of his colleagues from The Week’s Srinagar bureau.
Veteran journalists shared their condolences on social media, recalling his calm demeanour and dedication to factual, balanced reporting in a region often fraught with political sensitivities.
Friends and colleagues recalled how Bhat was always seen with a notebook in hand, quietly observing and listening before writing, a hallmark of his journalistic style.
His stories, whether on politics, governance, or human-interest issues, carried a sense of balance and empathy that set him apart.
“His writing reflected Kashmir’s complexities without resorting to extremes. He was one of those rare journalists who could critique power without losing compassion,” said a senior editor based in Srinagar.
Bhat is survived by his wife and three children.
His passing leaves a void not only in The Week’s newsroom but also in Kashmir’s wider journalistic landscape, one that will be hard to fill.
NC President Farooq Abdullah and NC Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over his demise.
In their condolence message, the Abdullahs described Bhat as a respected and principled voice in journalism, whose integrity, professionalism, and dedication to truth set a benchmark in the field.
They said that his insightful reporting and fearless commitment to facts earned him widespread respect across journalistic and public circles alike.
“His contribution to journalism in J&K will be remembered for years to come. His passing is a great loss to the media fraternity and to all who value honest and responsible journalism,” the duo said.
They extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues, praying for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this hour of grief.
NC Member of Parliament Syed Agha Ruhullah posted on X, “Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Tariq Ahmad Bhat. A journalist of rare humility and depth, he carried his craft with quiet grace and deep sincerity. His passing is a loss to journalism, and to Kashmir. May Allah grant him maghfirat and Jannat-ul-Firdous, and give strength to his loved ones.”
NC chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq visited the residence of the bereaved family and offered condolences with the family.
Among others, NC General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Treasurer and Member of Parliament Shammi Oberoi, NC J&K spokesman Imran Nabi Dar, Additional spokesperson Sarah Hayat Shah, social media head Ifra Jan, Media and Publicity Secretary Ghulam Muhammad Mir Saqi, and other functionaries also extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved Bhat household.
In his condolence message, former minister and senior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Naeem Akhtar paid rich tributes to Bhat’s professionalism.
“During my tenure as PDP’s chief spokesman, I witnessed his integrity and curiosity firsthand. He always sought to reach the truth and present readers with comprehensive, well-researched stories,” Akhtar said.
“He never sought attention or fanfare. Individuals like him give soul to society and become torchbearers for budding journalists. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah and strength to his family. We are all grief-stricken,” he said.
PDP leader and MLA Pulwama, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para in a post on X said, “Still can’t believe Tariq Bhat Sahab is gone. A dear friend and a man of truth, humility, and compassion. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. May Almighty bless his soul with maghfirah and grant him a place in Jannat-ul-Firdous. My heartfelt prayers for his family.”
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra expressed profound grief over Bhat’s demise.
In his condolence message, Karra described Bhat’s sudden demise as heart-wrenching and shocking, which had left him speechless.
“I have no words to express my grief. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family. I express my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and relatives of the deceased,” he said.
Praying for eternal peace to his departed soul, Karra said that Bhat was a veteran journalist and would always be remembered for his professional ethics, transparency, and honesty.
CPI (M) senior leader and MLA Kulgam Muhammad Yusuf Tarigami expressed profound sorrow over Bhat’s demise. “The passing of a distinguished journalist is a loss not only to the media fraternity but to society as a whole. The void created by his demise is irreparable and cannot be filled,” he said, and extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, hoping they find the strength to cope with this immense loss.
Senior BJP leader and prominent writer Sheikh Khalid Jehangir expressed grief over Bhat’s demise and said, “Deeply saddened by Bhat’s passing. We were from the same fraternity and had worked together before. Bhat was a fine journalist and a noble soul.”
He extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
