Senior journalist and the editor Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari was shot dead by the suspected militants outside his office. He was leaving office to attend an Iftar party when assailants, reported to be two in number, fired at his vehicle, killing his personal security officers on the spot. Critically injured Bukhari was moved to hospital where he was declared brought dead.
Shujaat was one of the long-standing and well-known journalists in Kashmir. He was earlier a correspondent for The Hindu.
His death has shocked Kashmir. It is the first attack on media in years and it has been widely condemned.
The home minister Rajnath Singh said:
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.
J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed shock. “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,” tweeted Mufti.
National Conference leaser Omar Abdullah also expressed his condolence over the demise of Bukhari. “I’m in complete shock. Hearing the worst but hoping for the best. @bukharishujaat please pull through this. 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,” tweeted Abdullah.
