Veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari was killed by unidentified gunmen in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. It was not immediately clear how many gunmen attacked Bukhari.
Bukhari was shot multiple times when he was leaving his office in Srinagar’s Press Enclave for an Iftar gathering. He was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
One of the personal security officers (PSO) guarding him was killed too, while another policeman was injured in the attack.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti offered condolences to the slain journalist’s family. In a tweet, Mufti said, “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”.
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
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also took to Twitter and said he was shocked by the incident.
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
Shujaat Bukhari had been given police protection since an attack on him in 2000.
Bukhari was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir valley. He was also part of the Track II peace process with Pakistan.