Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 23: Prominent Gojri writer and Gujjar leader, Ch Akthar Hussain Khatana passed away last night.
He was 70.
As per family sources, he died due to cardiac arrest at his native place near Pananama Chowk here.
Akhtar was known as his versatility in Gojri fiction as a novelist.
His Gojri novel ‘Gallabu’ got highest appreciations across Indo-Pak in Gojri speaking areas. He has written a number short-stories and TV serials in Gojri for Doordarshan and other channels.
The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and languages has awarded him several times for his contributions towards Gujjar Culture and Gojri language. He was a regular talker of Radio Kashmir Jammu and DDK Jammu.
Being President of All Jammu and Kashmir Gujjar Islahi Committee, he had contributed a lot for the welfare of nomadic Gujjar and Bakerwal communities. He was among the leaders who struggled hard in the movement of the community for grant of ST status- which was later granted by the Govt of India in 1991 to J&K Gujjars and Bakerwals.
His last rites were held at Gujjar Nagar graveyard where thousands of people participated.
Among other dignitaries who attended the Nimaz-e-Jinaza of Akhter included former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, former Adviser J&K Govt, Devender Rana, Gujjar community leaders, Dr. Masud Choudhary, Ch. Abdul Hamid, Dr. Javaid Rahi, Hussain Ali Wafa and others.
Meanwhile, National Conference President, Dr Farooq Abdullah has expressed grief over the demise of Khattana.
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