Krishan Dev Sethi (1928-2021): People across J&K pay tributes to the legend

28 January 2021

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Srinagar: The demise of Krishan Dev Sethi (1928-2021) marks the end of an era. A legendary political activist, newspaper editor and author of Jammu & Kashmir, who was born in Mirpur in 1928, bears witness to some of the most tumultuous political, social and economic developments of J&K. Mr Sethi has something unique about his persona – he is deeply respected for his political ideals across the frontiers of the former princely state. On his demise today, Mr Sethi is being fondly remembered by his admirers across J&K.

Ziraat Times here re-produces the tributes paid by some of the most eminent voices of Jammu & Kashmir to the departed soul:

Khalid Bashir Ahmed (Author and Former Deputy Director Information Department, J&K)

ADIEU SETHI SAHIB!

Today morning, as I opened my Facebook page, there popped up this saddening announcement of the demise at Jammu of the veteran politician, author and a secularist to the core, Krishan Dev Sethi. The announcement on his page read, “Today our beloved Comrade Krishan Dev Sethi has left for heavenly abode at 4 AM.” Lately, he had been keeping unwell, especially for the last five days or so.

I have had the honour of interviewing him at his Dalpatian home in 2011. It was a long interaction on tragic developments in Jammu of 1947, which forms part of my book, Kashmir: A Walk Through History. Besides, I would often bother him on telephone to have his opinion or input for my writings on Kashmir history. He would gladly share his views. His memory was razor sharp. It never took him more than a minute to recall events having taken place 60 years ago. I have benefitted a lot from his rich memory. I will miss his valuable inputs.

Born in Mirpur (now in Pakistan Administered Jammu & Kashmir) on 15 November 1927, Krishan Dev Sethi was a prominent politician, author, editor and a regular columnist. He got involved with political activities when he was barely 15 and still at school. He took part in the fight against the oppressive Dogra dispensation and the callous feudalism prevalent in the then princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. He was an active participant in the Quit Kashmir Movement during which he was imprisoned. He had Masters in Persian, the examination of which he took as a prisoner in the Mirpur Jail. In all, he served four years in jail and also remained underground for eight years during the 1960s when the government was looking for him for propagating peace with China.

Known among his friends and admirers as Comrade Sethi or Sethi Sahib, the 93 year old Walking Encyclopaedia on J&K’s political history lived in Mohalla Dalpatian in Jammu in a modest accommodation allotted to him as a refugee from Mirpur.

Sethi Sahib stood tall among the politicians of his times for his uncorrupted and uncompromising conviction and ideals and will be missed by all those who believe in clean politics and humanism.

Mohammad Syed Malik (Veteran writer and journalist)

Volcano is extinct: Comrade Krishan Dev Sethi is no more

His persona symbolized his philosophy of life the crux of which was humanism, sociopolitical justice and a society free of exploitation. That was also the hallmark of his life long struggle, virtually until his last breath.

Sethi Saheb was an inspiration — to me personally as much as to his countless comrades, followers and friends, across the country, across the LoC and across the seven seas.

Symbolically, he was the last surviving human face of our living history, having been in the forefront at every critical juncture, from 1930s to advent of 21st century. His footprints will continue to be there for a long, long time to come.

On a personal note, I have have lost my last surviving life-long friend between whom there were no secrets.

Mufti Mohammad, Sayeed, Ved Bhasin and Sethi Saheb and I had been friends for nearly six decades. Ideologically, politically we differed, sometimes violently, but never allowed that to come in our personal relationship. With Sethi Saheb’s departure today, I feel being left alone.

During our last meeting at his humble Dalpatian residence in Jammu, a few months ago, Sethi Saheb looked physically weaker, but not an iota of its reflection on his mental strength. Unlike ailing, old age people, Sethi Saheb, retained his memory as well as sense of humor remarkably well. I often approached him to update my knowledge of men and matters in historical context. And he had so much to give. For now, it is goodbye, dear Comrade. You left us poorer. Lal Salaam!

Anuradha Bhasin (Editor-in-chief Kashmir Times)

Krishan Dev Sethi, veteran Communist leader, stalwart of the Quit Kashmir movement and the last of the J&K Constituent Assembly members passes away. It is also a personal loss. Sethi saheb, as he was popularly known, was a close friend of my father and a regular visitor to Kashmir Times office, where many like me learnt a lot about politics, society and Urdu poetry. His integrity, humility and encyclopedic memory held us in awe and his anecdotes mesmerised us no less. His popularity transcended the borders. His death will be mourned on both sides of the Line of Control. Farewell! Adieu! You will be missed.

Yusuf Jameel (Eminent journalist)

He always told the truth as it was. A versatile politician, a great thinker, an epitome of brotherhood and a loving human being. It was for these reasons that he was respected and deeply loved by the people on both sides of the LoC and beyond. Will continue to live in our hearts. Ah, Krishan Dev Sethi.

Bhushan Parimoo (Veteran activity and environmentalist)

End of an Era! The only surviving Member of the Constituent Assembly of J&K Comrade Krishan Dev Sethi is no more. He left for heavenly abode at 4 AM today at his ancestral home at Dalpatian Mohallah, Jammu. Cremation will take place at Jogi Gate cremation ground, Gujjar Nagar, Jammu at 1 PM today. He was ailing since last one year. He is survived by son Mr. Achal Sethi who is Secretary Law and daughter Dr. Poonam Sethi.

J&K has lost not only a witness to the constitutional, geographical, political, social, literary and religious history of J&K since pre-1947 days but an intellectual par excellence, an avid reader, great orator, man of extraordinary literary skills, a Journalist with no parallel in recent times and above all, someone who commanded respect in all the social, political, religious and literary circles of Jammu and Kashmir.

Zafar Meraj (Editor-in-chief Kashmir Monitor)

Krishen Dev Sethi’s demise is a huge loss to the forces of democracy and humanity. He always stood for the suppressed Kashmiris.

Arun Joshi (Writer and journalist)

Comrade Kishen Dev Sethi, a legend is no more. He left for heavenly abode early Thursday morning. The death of Sethi Sahab , a treasure of knowledge and philosophy and conviction of secularism , will be mourned by one and all.

Zafar Chaudhary (Senior Journalist and Analyst)

End of an era. Comrade Kishen Dev Sethi passed away early this morning. Last living signatory to the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, which was scrapped on August 5, 2019, Comrade Sahab lived a glorious life. In my early years in journalism I met, talked to, heard, overheard or passed by Comrade Sahab almost everyday for four years. There is a lot of learning that I owe entirely to him. May his soul rest in eternal peace

Ghulam Nabi (J&K Kissan Tehreek)

A renowned progressive political leader,writer,all along a fighter and advocate of working class rights, Com. Krishen Dev Setthi is no more. He was an only member left among J&K constituent assembly members. He was one of the respected freedom fighters of J&K. He remained a part of Left/progressive ideology up to his last breath.I salute to such a great personality. I convey my heart felt condolences to the bereived family. LAL SALAM to the departed soul.

Feroze Ahmed (Activist)

Rest In Peace comrade Krishan Dev Sethi sir. You gave your whole life to bring prosperity and end autocratic rules right from the age of 15 in Mirpur. You understood the nuances of parliamentary abuse and supported the cause of weak marginal people.

Rest in peace !

We lost a living memory of history a legend and fine gentle soul !

Rao Farman Ali Malik (Writer)

He was a great intellectual and writer. In 2015 when I was writing a book titled “Resistance History of Kashmir” published in 2019 by Jay Kay Books, he gave me an important piece of information.