Senior Kashmir journalist and editor Shujaat Bukhari shot dead in Srinagar
Srinagar, June 14 (IBNS): Senior journalist and the editor of Rising Kashmir, Shujaat Bukhari, was shot dead by unknown attackers in Srinagar on Thursday evening, officials said.
He was attacked when he stepped out of his office at Press Colony in the city in the evening. He was reportedly heading for an Iftar Party.
Bukhari was hit by multiple bullets which were shot at him from close range.
The bullets also hit two security guards who were protecting him. They are critical at the moment.
According to one report, Bukhari was in his car when he was attacked while his driver and personal security officer (PSO) were also injured.
Bukhari was once attacked in 2000 as well and received police protection since then.
The attack on a senior journalist after a long time has shaken the entire Valley.
While a former colleague recalled him as a journalist with balanced views, in an editorial in Rising Kashmir last year, he had written: "If Delhi cant give the people Azadi, it cannot deprive them of autonomy either.
Condemnation:
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed deep shock on Twitter.
Shocked & deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Shujaat Bukhari. The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) June 14, 2018
Former state Chief minister Omar Abdullah posted:
inna lilahi wa inna illahi rajiuun. Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 14, 2018
National leaders also condemned the killing:
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted:
The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 14, 2018
Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted:
I’m anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 14, 2018
Editors Guild
The Editors Guild of India condemned the assassination of Rising Kashmir Editor Shujaat Bukhari. It claimed its editorial policy as one of providing unbiased news and views.
The Editors Guild of India unequivocally condemns the assassination of Rising Kashmir Editor Shujaat Bukhari. This is a grave attack on press freedom and democratic voices. We will be issuing a more detailed statement soon
— Editors Guild of India (@IndEditorsGuild) June 14, 2018
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