Balraj Puri condoles Nirmala Deshpande's death

Balraj Puri, Convenor People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) J&K State, expressed shock and profound grief over the sudden death of eminent Gandhian leader Nirmala Deshpande. ‘It is a great loss to all the peace loving people in India as well as Pakistan’, he said in a press statement.

Puri, a journalist, writer and human rights activist recalling his own long association with the departed soul, recalled that she responded to his invitation to tour the militancy affected and communally divided Doda where her cooperation proved very effective in resting normal relations between communities. Later he arranged her first visit to Kashmir valley and her meetings with all sections of society who warmly received her. Her peace missions to Pakistan, equally evoked popular response, he said.

Deshpande, a noted Gandhian and a member of Rajya Sabha died in New Delhi on Thursday at the age of 79. She has been known worldwide for her steady and constant attempt in promotion of true Gandhian philosophy of non-violence. She was also actively involved in efforts to usher in peace, especially between India and Pakistan.