SHILLONG, June 12: Senior journalist Sameer Sohliya, fondly called ‘Bobby’, passed away at his residence in Langkyrding Mihngi, East Khasi Hills, on Saturday evening after prolonged illness. He was 48.
The funeral will be held at Lum Jingthangbriew on Sunday.
The dynamic scribe was first with All India Radio as a casual reporter and later joined Media Plus as Associate Editor in December 1999 and subsequently as the Editor.
He was then associated with The Sentinel as Senior Correspondent till he breathed his last.
Sohliay had completed his Master’s degree in History from the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in 1998. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Besides being a certified defence correspondent, he had manifested his versatility with political, crime and investigative journalism.
During his tenure in Media Plus, Sohliya had several crucial encounters with high profile political and public services stalwarts like SC Jamir, Farooq Abdullah, KPS Gill et al, on contentious issues of insurgency and other sensitive political subjects.
Joining in the chorus to condole the demise of Sohliya, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said in a tweet: “Saddened by the news of Bah Sameer Sohliya’s demise. Well-read, well-spoken & courteous, Sameer was a promising journalist who was admired not only by the press fraternity but by many who knew him personally. My condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.”
With Sameer Sohliya’s passing away, the Shillong Press Club lost two of its stellar members including Readington Marweiñ within a period of merely two days.
In a statement, the Press Club expressed profound pain and angst at the unfortunate passing away of Marweiñ and Sohliya.
Speaking about Marweiñ’s contributions and achievements, the Press Club state, “Bah Marweiñ was not only a pioneering force in the establishment of vernacular press in the state, but was also a constant patron of upgradation of technology and knowledge in making information dissemination an integral part of our modern system. Very keen to be ever updated, he never hesitated to ensure that his publication group only grew from pillar to strength with the advent of time”.
“So much so, that from placing Mawphor at the top echelons of print media in the state, he went on to successfully publish the new up and coming English daily Highland Post and then took his interest in promoting vernacular journalism a notch higher by launching its first-ever Garo weekly Kosi Songbad on March 30 this year,” it added..
Senior Executive Committee member of the Press Club, ‘Bhaijan’ Sameer Sohliya needs no introduction, it said in the statement.
“Like a senior colleague described him, he was a courageous journalist, always relentless in his quest for the truth however uncomfortable or dangerous it maybe. His knack for gathering information on the very delicate and sensitive matters through the most unexpected sources and quarters will always be remembered. His unique ability to blend in any situation and gathering from the local meeting point of Mawkyrwat market to the hallowed halls of the Raj Bhavan, Sameer would always be welcomed,” the Press Club said while remarking that the senior scribe will be sorely missed.
It also pointed out that Sameer Sohliya is the only journalist from the state to have completed a full course as a defence correspondent accredited to the Union Ministry of Defence.
The Press Club conveyed its condolences to both the bereaved family.
MEPA’s tribute
The Meghalaya Editors & Publishers Association (MEPA) has also expressed its shock over the unfortunate demise of Sameer Sohliya.
“Bah Sameer is a talented writer with strong knowledge on many issues concerning the state. We send our condolence to the family of Bah Sameer,” MEPA said in a statement.
