Rising Kashmir Editor Shujaat Bukhari Shot Dead In Srinagar

Video Editor: Abhishek Sharma

Senior journalist and editor of Rising Kashmir, Shujaat Bukhari, was shot dead by unknown assailants at the Press Enclave in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar. Bukhari was reportedly shot by 3-4 armed men, sources told The Quint.

Bukhari was shifted to a hospital, along with two of his Personal Security Officers, where all three succumbed to their injuries. Jammu and Kashmir police said that a preliminary investigation has indicated that it was a terror attack but further probe is underway.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack.

This is extremely shocking. I had met him just a few days back.

Mehbooba Mufti, Chief Minister, J&K 

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

He was leaving his office at the Press Enclave for an iftar party when he was shot, officials told PTI.

Bukhari was given police protection after he was attacked in 2000.

The Editors’ Guild and his colleagues have also condemned the attack.

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

Heartbreaking the loss of Shujaat Bukhari, an incredibly brave editor & an invaluable voice of middle-ground moderation. This is a loss for all Kashmiri’s, India and the entire journalistic community

— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) June 14, 2018

My friend @bukharishujaat was a rare voice of moderation in Kashmir who pandered to no extremes. May those who did this to him rot in hell. And may this be a moment for Kashmir to take note of the absolute insanity it is slipping into #ShujaatBukhari

— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) June 14, 2018

Politicians across party lines have also deplored the attack.

I condemn Bukhari’s death in the hands of terrorists in Kashmir. It is shameful. Indian media is free and will continue to fearlessly write against terrorism.

Rajyavardhan Rathore, Union I&B Minister

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

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

Saddened and shocked at the brutal killing of respected editor and senior journalist @bukharishujaat With a few hours to go for Eid this is terrible. No words are enough for this big tragedy

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 14, 2018

(With inputs from PTI)