Veteran journalist S D Rohmetra passes away

Rohmetra, who was ailing for the past one week, died at AIIMS this morning. He was 72.

He is survived by his wife Usha Rohmetra and four children.

Joining United News of India (UNI), Rohmetra later rose to become its Bureau Chief of J&K from 1969 to 1993.

He launched his own newspaper 'Daily Excelsior', which became the leading newspaper of Jammu and Kashmir.

In Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief on the veteran journalist's death.

"The society has lost a friend and a noble soul. His passing away has created void in journalist fraternity which is very difficult to be filled up," Omar said.

His body was cremated at Shastrinagar cremation ground here late this evening.

Omar along with his cabinet colleagues attended the last rites.

Governor N N Vohra, PDP leader Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami were among those who expressed grief over the demise of the scribe.