Srinagar, 15 Oct 2023: Ghulam Nabi Khayal, an esteemed journalist, poet, and writer from Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, has passed away in Srinagar at the age of approximately 80.

The Kashmir Media Service reports that Khayal’s illustrious career saw the publication of over 30 books. He contributed to nearly every significant newspaper in India, such as the Illustrated Weekly of India, India Today, and The Associated Press. Additionally, he lent his voice to various radio stations, including the Voice of America.

He resided in the Rawalpora Housing Colony, Srinagar, and reports indicate that he passed away around midnight.

In a notable act of dissent, Khayal returned his Sahitya Academy award in October 2015. Originally awarded to him in 1975 for his book “Gashik Minaar (Luminaries),” he chose to return the honor to protest the perceived ill-treatment of minorities in India.

Khayal’s professional journey wasn’t devoid of challenges. He was arrested in 1958, involved in the Kashmir conspiracy case during his tenure as a newscaster. Later, he rose to fame due to his poignant poem “Yeh Chuh Choun Watan, Yeh Chuh Meoun Watan,” which he recited for the first time at a function in Srinagar on July 13.

Ghulam Nabi Khayal is survived by his two sons, who are currently working abroad.