India

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.

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.

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.

Former chief minister Omar Abdullah also expressed shock over Bukhari’s killing.

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.


Adam Rizvi

Adam Rizvi

Adam Rizvi has a unique talent for publishing to marketing to managing projects, writers & assigning the task to correspondents. Edits an e-paper & cover the news. An activist, spend time with family & friends. His adorable daughters, Alizah & Anum are his lifelines. He spends his time reading, swimming, hiking, cycling, and watching with them their favorite TV shows, & fixing the Big Old House where he lives. Studied literature & management. Volunteer for non-profits. President of a Travel Agency. Publisher. Circulated the newspapers. Acted & Assisted in directing & production of the award-winning film & TV Serial. Scripted a little. Modeled. Emceed the live shows & judged competitions. A caring sibling and was an obedient son of his late doting parents whom he misses dearly. Adam uses his various positions & experiences in building a strong relationship with all. Appreciates his articles being read, commented, liked, and shared. He can be reached at his personal email: mediaiss@gmail.com.

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