Condolences have poured in after senior journalist from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Zubair Ahmed, was found dead on Thursday.
Zubair, the editor of The Sunday Islander, was found dead at a school where he was working as a manager on July 8. His body was found lying on the floor with a rope around his neck, said informed sources.
Police said they suspect Zubair, 55, died by suicide. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway, they said.
Condoling Zubair’s death, MP Kuldeep Rai Sharma said he was a fearless journalist who had the courage to call a spade a spade.
“Zubair Ahmed was a well-read person and had an excellent command over English. Because of his knowledge, objective thinking and brilliant writing power he was well known among national as well as international media fraternity,” he said.
Zubair not only motivated thousands of people as a journalist but also contributed massively as an educationist to the islands, he added.
“Zubair was arrested by Andaman police over a tweet, he was hounded by the state for being critical of its management of COVID 19. He has passed away, allegedly by suicide,” read a tweet by award winning journalist Rana Ayyub.
“Zubair Ahmed, prominent journalist of Andaman, found hanging at a school being run by him in the Island on Thursday night. His family members says that he was battling with the depression but it could not be reason behind his death.Zubair was jailed once for criticizing admin,” tweeted journalist Waquar Hasan.
Muhammed Ashraf M from the Andaman Islands wrote on Twitter: “Today, it was with deep shock and despair, heard the news of the demise of Zubair Bai. A person whom I deeply admire, his writings have always been an inspiration for many of us. His reminiscence of the yesteryeas of Andaman was always a treat to read on.”
He went on to say: “He was surely a proud treasure for our Islands who always dared speaking the Truth to the Poople in Power. An intellect who never hesitate to question the authorities for their misdeeds. An encyclopedia of Island history particularly of the story of Mopla communities settling down in these beautiful Islands.”
According to Ashraf, Zubair’s sudden death has left a big void in our life which cannot be filled by anybody else.
“Dear zubair bhai, you will be sorely missed, your journalistic approach for issues of Andaman islands, the depth of knowledge of aboriginals of our islands, the fight spirit is gone, may Almighty give strength to the family for this irredeemable loss,” tweeted Yasir MB from Andaman.
“Farewell my dear friend, surrounded by the sea as you were you embodied a unique and true spirit and zeal of the islander you were. Rest in peace Zubair….god bless you, rest in eternal peace,” Manish Chandi, another resident of Andaman island wrote on Twitter.
Shrinath Vashishtha, editor of Hawk Eye, Port Blair wrote on Facebook: “A fervent and proud Islander of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, an ardent social activist, a diligent, resourceful and curious journalist and a sensitive human, Zubair Ahmed, has departed this life too early and in a style uncharacteristic of his spirited persona. Although he had a lot more to contribute for the causes he resolutely stood for, his distinguished work and efforts will inspire ambitious youths in the service of our Isles. Sorrowed by his sudden and shocking demise, Hawk Eye prays for his sublime soul to rest in peace and for strength to his bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.”
“Grieving the loss of Zubair—Journalist, activist, writer, and the Islands Mappila Historian. He always wrote insightful, witty and urgent pieces for the people of Andaman and Nicobar. You will be terribly missed my good friend,” tweeted Preethi Ayyalusamy, Phd student at TISS, Mumbai.
CPI(M) Andaman and Nicobar State Organising Committee deeply mourn the death of Zubair.
“He was a committed social worker and had tried to create awareness among the islanders against the ill-effects of liquor and drugs. He voiced against the authoritarian style of functioning of ruling classes on many occasions and had to face the wrath of those in power. CPI (M) pays rich homage to his memory and conveys its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members,” read the statement by left party.
Arrested for criticising government
Zubair Ahmed, who had been critical in social media posts of some actions of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, was arrested in April 2020 after he tweeted asking why families were being placed under home quarantine for speaking with COVID-19 patients over the phone.
The journalist was booked under sections 51 (punishment for obstruction) and 54 (punishment for false warning) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, as well as sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease), 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease) and 505(1)(b) (causing fear or alarm to the public) of the IPC.
In 2021, the case against him was quashed by the Calcutta High Court.
