Eternalising important moments in history as they happen is a faith. Kashmir lost one of its most remarkable journalists, Izhar Wani, last Wednesday. His memory may fade with time, but he will live eternally in the written word he sent out from Kashmir as much as in the hearts of his family, friends and colleagues. In memoriam, KASHMIR LIFE reproduces a sample of his work and some impressions about the conflict reporter.
A Tribute To Izhar
“You’re going to Kashmir? You have to meet IzharWani!” Just about every foreign correspondent who passed through New Delhi on their way to Srinagar over the past 20 years would have heard that same phrase in one version or another. At times it seemed that Izhar knew everyone.
I first met him in 1998 when I was posted to New Delhi as AFP’s South Asia news editor. I knew very little about Kashmir, and it was Izhar who calmly, and very patiently, guided me through its troubled history.
It was a steep learning curve but he was a wonderful teacher, who always stressed the importance of talking to ordinary people as well as those in positions of power and authority.
At AFP, we covetously thought of him as our own, but the truth is that he was an enormous influence on so many others outside the agency who he helped, advised and befriended.
As the news of his tragically untimely death spread, the messages of shock and sadness poured in from everywhere; the United States, France, Britain, Canada, the Middle East, New Zealand, Germany … from journalists and non-journalists alike Izhar’s work stands for itself. A passionate and prolific journalist he was one of those rare reporters whose reputation extended far beyond the publications he wrote for.
He first joined AFP in 1991 and the agency helped grant him a level of international exposure, but it was the way he grasped that opportunity that set him apart.
He was a complete journalist. Committed, accurate and rigorously impartial, with a clean, fluid prose style that engaged and enlightened.
The few stories included here (In this special issue of Kashmir Life dedicated to Izhar) can only hint at the depth and breadth of his coverage over the years.
But the unique thing about Izhar, of course, is that he was so much more than his work. And it is Izhar Wani the man that will be missed by all those who had the great fortune to work with him and know him.
Wise and gentle, generous and patient, humble and humorous, he left a deep and lasting impression on everyone he met with his decency and quiet dignity.
He was, quite simply, irreplaceable.
Giles Hewitt, Director, AFP South Asia
