Srinagar, June 19: Senior photojournalist, Nissar Ahmad passed away at SMHS Hospital on Wednesday after a prolonged battle with a life-threatening illness.
Ahmad, who was working with The Hindu, was 55.
He had undergone a major operation two years ago but continued to work tirelessly until his health took a severe downturn recently.
Ahmad’s colleague from The Hindu said he was admitted to SMHS Hospital on Tuesday morning.
Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he breathed his last on Wednesday afternoon.
Ahmad’s journey in photography began humbly as a tourist photographer, capturing the serene landscapes and vibrant culture of Kashmir.
His passion for the craft soon led him to pursue a career in journalism.
His work earned him respect and admiration from colleagues and readers alike, making him one of the most respected photojournalists in Kashmir.
Ahmad is survived by his two sons, one of whom, Imran Nissar, has followed in his father’s footsteps and is also a photographer.
The loss of Ahmad was deeply felt in the journalist community, where his legacy as a fearless and compassionate photojournalist will continue to inspire future generations.
“We belong to Allah and to Him, we shall return. Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un. Very sad news. Nissar was a regular presence at events and press conferences over the years. His absence will be greatly felt. May Allah grant him place in Jannat. My condolences to his family and colleagues,” former chief Minister and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah posted on microblogging site X.
Another former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti also took to X and posted, “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un. Very sorry to hear about the passing away of veteran photojournalist Nissar Ahmed. May Allah give his family and loved ones strength to bear this loss.”
Former minister and Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari also took to X and posted, “My sincere condolences to the family of Nissar Ahmad, the esteemed photojournalist from ‘The Hindu’ newspaper, who passed away today after a prolonged illness. His decades-long dedication to his field of work earned him immense respect. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
In a statement issued here, CPI (M) leader and former legislator, Muhammad Yusuf Tarigami expressed grief and shock over the demise of Ahmad.
Tarigami expressed condolences to the bereaved family and journalist fraternity.
DGP R R Swain in a statement issued here expressed his heartfelt condolences on the passing of Ahmad.
In his message, the DGP said, “Despite his illness, Nissar Ahmad remained steadfast in his commitment to his profession. He continued to attend the office regularly and contribute significantly until his condition worsened, exemplifying remarkable perseverance and dedication to photojournalism.”
The DGP said: “On behalf of the entire Police force, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Nissar Ahmad. His contributions to photojournalism and his unwavering commitment will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Director of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Kashmir division, condoled the demise of Ahmad.
In a condolence meeting held in Srinagar, Joint Director Information, Kashmir division, Muhammad Aslam highlighted the role of the departed photojournalist in covering almost all shades of Kashmir through his journalistic work and called his demise a great loss to the journalist fraternity as well as society.
He offered his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and courage for the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
Deputy Director Information (PR), Kashmir, Ahsan-ul-Haq Chisti recalling Ahmad’s photojournalistic career called his work a living testament to the axiom of photojournalism.
He also offered deepest condolences to the bereaved family, prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul, and courage for the bereaved family to bear the huge loss.
Employees of the Information Department Kashmir also condoled the demise of Ahmad and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and courage to his near ones and dear ones to bear this loss.
The meeting was also attended by officers and officials of different sections including PR, Establishment, Field Publicity, and Culture.
General Secretary of the Valley Citizen Council, Imdad Saqi, expressed his heartfelt condolences on the passing of Ahmad.
In a statement issued here, Saqi said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of Nissar Ahmad’s passing. His decades-long dedication to photojournalism and his significant contributions to the field have earned him immense respect and admiration. His loss is a great blow to the journalistic community and to all who knew him.”
He said: “My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Nissar Ahmad’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of journalists.”
The management of Iqbal Sports said that they were deeply saddened by the passing of Ahmad, a revered and distinguished figure in the photojournalism of Kashmir.
“His unwavering commitment to truth and his dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on the industry and the countless lives he touched through his work,” a statement of Iqbal Sports issued here said.
“Nissar Ahmad was not only a senior journalist but also a mentor and a source of inspiration for many aspiring journalists. His legacy of integrity, professionalism, and passion for journalism will continue to guide and inspire future generations,” the statement said. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, especially Imran Nissar who has been the part of Iqbal Sports family and his brother Firdous Nissar, a former J&K Bank footballer, during this difficult time. May they find strength and solace in the cherished memories and the enduring impact he has left behind.”