Politicos condemn killing of Shujaat Bukhari, call it ‘cowardice act’

By
Vikash Soni
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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.

Bukhari, the Editor-in-Chief of the daily Rising Kashmir was shot dead by terrorists near Press Colony in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar on Thursday.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehboob Mufti while denouncing the “mindless” killing recalled her meeting with the renowned journalist a few days ago.

Condolences have been pouring in on Twitter for Shujaat Bukhari:

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who rushed to the spot and was seen in tears, tweeted her condolences to Shujaat Bukhari’s family.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed shock and sent out a series of tweets expressing grief for the journalist’s demise:

“Killing of Rising Kashmir 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. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family,” Singh tweeted.

“This is a shameful act. Media is free in India. The state government and the central government are committed for the freedom of the press in the country and the state,” Rathore said.

State police chief SP Vaid said that it was around 7.15 pm, the Iftar time, that Bukhari came out of his office in Press Enclave and was boarding his car when he was attacked by militants. “Three motorcycle-borne militants came and fired at Bukhari and his guards. Bukhari and one guard were killed and another security guard critically injured,” he said.

The attack on Bukhari came amid discussion over extension of Ramzan ceasefire by security forces in Kashmir. Bukhari was given police protection since an attack on him in 2000.

Police investigating in the case is underway.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi too expressed grief over the death of the journalist and said Bukhari was fearlessly fighting for peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

“I am anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of Rising Kashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed,” he tweeted.

Strongly condemn this act of mindless violence, tweets CM Mufti

Expressing shock over the incident, CM Mehbooba Mufti posted 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.”

Mamta also tweeted on this Saddened and shocked at the brutal killing of respected editor and senior journalist bukhari shujaat With a few hours to go for Eid this is terrible. No words are enough for this big tragedy.

Who was Shujaat Bukhari?

Shujaat Bukhari was a Srinagar-based scribe and Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir, a Srinagar-based local daily newspaper. He was earlier the Bureau Chief of The Hindu.

-According to reports, Bukhari had done Masters in Journalism from Ateneo de Manila University, Manila as a fellow of Asian Centre for Journalism, Singapor

He was a recipient of World Press Institute (WPI) USA fellowship and Asian Centre for Journalism Singapore fellowship.

-He was also the president of Adbee Markaz Kamraz, the biggest and oldest cultural and literary organization of Valley.

A report in freepresskashmir.com mentioned that on July 8, 1996, government-backed militant group Ikhwan abducted 19 local journalists in Anantnag district and held them as hostages for at least seven hours. Bukhari was among hose abducted.

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