Meghalaya’s senior journalist Sameer Sohliya passes away

Shillong, Jun 12: The media fraternity on Saturday lost a senior journalist, Sameer Sohliya.

Sohliya was working for the Guwahati based, Sentinel at the time of his death.

He left behind his wife and two daughters.

Sohliya completed his master’s degree in history in 1998 from NEHU and joined All India Radio as casual reporter.

Thereafter, he joined Media Plus a cable television channel as Associate editor in December 1999 and subsequently as the Editor.

Later joined the Sentinel as Senior Correspondent till he breathed his last.

He was a certified defence correspondent and versatile journalist in political, crime and investigative journalism.

During his tenure in Media Plus he had several crucial encounters with high profile political and public services stalwarts like S. C Jamir, Farooq Abdullah, K P S Gill, on contentious issues of insurgency and other sensitive political issues.

During the heights of insurgency in the state he was instrumental in catering truthful information to the public, which at certain occasions attracted resistance from the police and the law, even as he maintained his cordial relationship with the law enforcing agencies.

State Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma condoled his demise.

In his tweet Sangma stated that Sohliya was “well read, well spoken and courteous.”

“Sameer was a promising journalist who was admired not only by the press fraternity but by many who knew him personally,” Sangma tweeted.

The Shillong Press Club while mourning his demise stated that he had a 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.

“His knack for gathering information on the very delicate and sensitive matters through the most unexpected sources and quarters will always be remembered,” the Shillong Press Club stated.

The Meghalaya Editors & Publishers Association (MEPA), also expresses, its shock on the sudden demise of Sohliya.

“Bah Sameer, is a talented writer, with strong knowledge on many issues concerning the State,” MEPA stated.