In a horrific incident, Shujaat Bukhari, the editor of Rising Kashmir was shot dead outside his office in Kashmir by three unidentified gunmen on Thursday.
After the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed her shock in a tweet. The chief minister rushed to meet Bukhari’s family. She was visibly upset while speaking to media persons.
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
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
Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the veteran journalist will be “missed”.
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
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah also said that he was “shocked beyond words”.
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
Even in the last tweet he put out he was defending himself, his colleagues & his profession. He died in the line of duty doing what he did best & loved doing – journalism. #ShujaatBukhari https://t.co/xEA2hg2xp1
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 14, 2018
Along with Shujaat his security chap was also killed & another lies injured in hospital. Prayers & condolences for them & their families also on this terrible night. https://t.co/BTYJsVhWoi
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 14, 2018
Bukhari’s personal security officer was also killed, whereas his driver is battling for his life, the police said.
The incident happened at Press Avenue in Lal Chowk, one of the busiest areas of the city.
Reacting to the incident, many journalists posted their views on Twitter.
Devastating news. @bukharishujaat has been shot dead in Srinagar. Shot coming out of his office. Such an utterly senseless senseless horrific act of violence. Don’t have any words
— Nidhi Razdan (@Nidhi) June 14, 2018
There is no getting around it : @bukharishujaat has been assassinated for being an advocate for peace and reconciliation; for his refusal to give up hope; for his constant search for Kashmir’,s elusive middle ground. A deep professional and personal loss for me #ShujaatBukhari
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) June 14, 2018
What an unspeakable shocking tragedy. #ShujaatBukhari‘s voice was resolute, strong, yet never shrill, always urging the common ground, constantly optimistic, a kind, thoughtful and wise person, a great friend, a fine journalist. Devastated to hear this news, what a sad sad day https://t.co/RxrCUwMZK1
— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) June 14, 2018
The best journalism in India happens at state level,esp in Kashmir. #ShujaatBukhari was among the best editors. This is a huge loss. https://t.co/aqleFoejeb
— Vidya (@VidyaKrishnan) June 14, 2018