Srinagar: Shubhaat Bukhari and his PSO, a senior journalist and editor of ‘Rising Kashmir’ in Jammu and Kashmir capital Srinagar, were shot dead. The unidentified assailants attacked them outside the office of Shujaat Bukhari. The attack happened when he was leaving for his party iftar party. Another policeman injured in the attack died later in the hospital.
While the entire media fraternity is in a state of shock over the killing of veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari, the political leaders also came forth to express grief over the incident
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— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) June 14, 2018
Police officials said that iftar was leaving for his party from his office at the Press Enclave in Lal Chowk in Bukhari city. At that time, he was fired very closely with indiscriminate firing. Officials said that they were taken to the hospital immediately, where they were declared dead. Police officials said that two policemen deployed in their security in the attack were also injured. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mahbuba Mufti and former CM Omar Abdullah condemned the death of Bukhari.
Shocked & deeply saddened by sudden demise of Shujaat Bukhari. The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. Strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. Deepest condolences to his family: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti(File Pic) pic.twitter.com/kkwBzn5nSB
— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mahbuba Mufti said that he was shocked and unhappy after hearing the news of ‘sudden death’ of Bukhari. He tweeted, “The evil of terrorism has shown its slimy face on Eid’s eve. I strongly condemn the act of barbaric violence and pray to God that their (peace be upon him) soul get peace. My deepest condolences to his family. ‘ Mehbooba said that the murder of Bukhari has led to the face of terrorism, ‘that too on the eve of Eid.’ We should unite against the standing powers against our efforts to restore peace.
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
It is worth mentioning that a journalist has been targeted for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time. Shujaat Bukhari was provided security in 2000 after the attack on him. The attack came at Shujaat Bukhari when a few hours ago, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had held a meeting to protect the Amarnath yatra which began in Jammu and Kashmir from June 28.
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
Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted that the killing of Shukat Bokhari, editor of Rising Kashmir, is a matter of action. This is an attempt to calm the consciences of Kashmir. He was an unhelpful and courageous journalist. His sadness is very sad and regretted. My feelings are with his family.
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
Congress President Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief over the murder of Shujaat Bukhari and said that Bukhari was a courageous journalist who fought with fearlessness for justice and peace. Gandhi tweeted, “I am sad to hear the news of the murder of Rising Kashmir (newspaper) editor Shujaat Bukhari. He was a brave man, who fought fiercely for justice and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Have a sympathy for his family. Lack of Bukhari will feel. ‘