OTHERS have extolled mostly the charm of Murtaza Razvi`s amiable nature, his candour and, above all, his courage of conviction.

But, for me he was much more than that. We discussed controversial issues relating to religion and politics. He was exceptionally well-informed on both.

We argued. We sometimes agreed to disagree. Then he would say: `I rest my case here.

Murtaza had the courage of his conviction and strong opinion on theissue of fair and foul, which he expressed frankly and would compromise.

Once, I counselled him to be a little guarded in his comments for obvious reasons. He replied: `The good cannot be made slave to the bad. The bad will have to vanish or containedfor the sake of good to prevail.

For me, Murtaza was all the more precious because we could discuss Persian poetry.

Only a few days ago he entertained me to tea in his room and weexchanged some Persian anecdotes.

I have only one `complaint` against Murtaza. Because I pestered him often with queries, I once requested him to bear with me for some time. It may be months, but it won`t be years, I said, because I am holding my boarding card and waiting for the call.

And he laughed at it. Yet, he gave me the slip. It was not for him, a young man of 48, to go, while I, about 40 years older, survive.

Rest in peace, my friend.

SYED JILANEE Karachi