Jammu and Kashmir: Noted journalist Shujaat Bukhari shot dead in Srinagar
Noted journalist Shujaat Bukhari and his Personal Security Officer(PSO) were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Srinagar on Thursday.
Bukhari was the editor of Rising Kashmir newspaper. He was attacked outside the newspaper’s office in the heart of the city.
Bukhari was attacked when he was leaving his office in Press Enclave in the city for an Iftar party.
Another PSO of Bukhari was critically inured in the attack.
The police say the killers were waiting for Shujaat Bukhari to come out of the building and it appeared to be a planned attack.
A CCTV grab, released by the police, shows the three attackers on a motorcycle. While the rider was wearing a helmet, the other two men were wearing masks to hide their identity. They can be seen carrying guns hidden in a sack.
They (the terrorists) chose the iftaar time when everybody was rushing home. We will look into who these people are,” he added.
The attack took place hours after Home Minister Rajnath Singh held a security review meeting for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage that starts later this month. Sources say Rajnath Singh’s peace initiative in Kashmir, a ceasefire, may not extend beyond Ramzan, which is expected to end with Eid day after tomorrow.
Expressing shock over the killing of Bukhari, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said that scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid.
“Shocked & deeply saddened by sudden demise of #ShujaatBukhari. 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,” she tweeted.
“Terrorism has hit a new low with Shujaat’s killing. That too, on the eve of Eid. We must unite against forces seeking to undermine our attempts to restore peace. Justice will be done,” she added.
Terrorism has hit a new low with Shujaat’s killing. That too, on the eve of Eid. We must unite against forces seeking to undermine our attempts to restore peace. Justice will be done. https://t.co/8oCNXan13L
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) June 14, 2018
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
Terming Bukhari’s killing an act of cowardice, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that it was an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir.
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
Former chief minister Omar Abdullah also expressed shock over Bukhari’s killing.
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
According to officials, while one of the personal security officers (PSOs) guarding him was killed, another policeman and a civilian were injured in the attack.
The condition of the two injured in the shooting, which comes a day ahead of Eid, is critical.
According to PTI, it’s not clear how many gunmen attacked Bukhari.
Bukhari had earlier worked with The Hindu newspaper as its Kashmir correspondent.
Bukhari was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir Valley. He was also part of the Track II process with Pakistan.
