P N Bhat—first journalist killed in Kashmir

(By: Dr. Rajesh Bhat)

Late Shri Prem Nath Bhat, the first journalist killed during Kashmir turmoil, has become the icon of Political Groups as well as individuals against religious fundamentalism and ethnic cleansing of a vulnerable minority like Kashmiri Pandits. In life as well as in death, he was able to forge a remarkable unity and was the torchbearer of service to humanity without the consideration of religious, political or other ideological differences. Late Sh Prem Nath Bhat ably fits into the definition of an awakened soul who besides possessing brilliant qualities of head and heart to lead, stayed put in Kashmir, thus defied the terrorists, who ultimately took his life.

December 27, 1989 is a Black Day in the history of Indian Nation, when this great son of Kashmir was gunned down in open defiance of ethos of India and centuries’ old value system of Kashmir that was constantly showcased as a model one, which got blown to smithereens.

While Tika Lal Taploo and Neelkanth Ganjoo where killed in  September and November 1989 respectively, Prem Nath Bhat was the third prominent Kashmiri Pandit who fell down to terrorists’ bullets. He was chosen because he took up the community’s cases on a pan–India level, built institutions, protected temples and properties and impressed upon authorities to remove the fear psychosis prevailing among Kashmiri Pandits in the wake of 1986 Anantnag riots. During 1989-90, when anti-national activities were at peak in the valley, Prem Nath Bhat was advised to leave Kashmir even by his Muslim well-wishers. However, as brave as he was, he did not pay much heed to these warnings and continued to stay put in Kashmir.

P. N Bhat’s last write-up

Sh Prem Nath Bhat was not only an Advocate, but also an accomplished journalist, having keen sense of socio-political issues and dangerously changing dynamics of Kashmir. Among the journalists of Kashmir, he was the first to who fell down to terrorists’ bullets.

Apart from functioning as a Correspondent for Daily Excelsior from Anantnag, he used to contribute by writing brilliant write-ups for Op-ed page and weekly magazine of the newspaper. He was deeply influenced by Saint Shri Rama Krishna Paramhans and his chief disciple, Swami Vivekananda, which is borne by the fact that he served humanity and lead socially reconstructive missions.

Few days prior to his killing, we at Daily Excelsior had a chance to have a final meeting with him where he was a regular visitor and it is here that his journalistic acumen got known to friends and well-wishers alike. Incidentally, on last visit of his, he had handed over a written piece to be scheduled for inclusion around National Youth Day, coinciding with Swami Vivekananda’s birthday. And the same was published as a tribute to the memory of this great soul in Sunday Magazine of Daily Excelsior on January 7, 1990. It incidentally was his last write-up which was published posthumously. Kashmir Rechords is reproducing Sh Bhat’s last published write-up.

Born in 1932 in a middle-class family, Pandit Prem Nath Bhat was popularly known as ‘Bhat Sahab’. He studied at Amar Singh College and S P College Srinagar and used to actively participate in debates and social work.

Kashmiri Pandit community observes 27th of December as Chetna Divas every year in memory of Late Prem Nath Bhat and other martyrs. Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust has been spearheading a movement for the passage of Temples and Shrine Bill also. It further acknowledges the contribution of journalists and accordingly confers an annual award in this respect.