Shujaat Bukhari killed; news updates: Mehbooba Mufti meets family of Rising Kashmir editor, expresses shock

It is a terror related crime, says Jammu and Kashmir Police

“At this point in time, this is a terror related incident, and there is no doubt about it. An SIT, led by DIG Jammu and Kashmir, has been formed which will investigate the crime,” Jammu and Kashmir police said.

Police recovers one of the pistols removed from scene of crime

The Jammu and Kashmir police said that one of the suspects, now in custody, was seen picking up a pistol from the crime scene. The police said that the pistol has now been recovered. They also said that the accused’s coat he was wearing on the day of the crime has also been recovered.

Police holds press conference after arresting suspect

Police access CCTV footage, release pics of four suspects in murder case

Jammu and Kashmir Police, initially released the CCTV footage of three bike-borne youths. The investigation revealed that the assailants were carrying two rifles in a burlap bag and after the killing, the third youth who was waiting for the senior journalist to step out from his office also rode with them and they fled from the place within minutes of the incident. 

However, later the police also the involvement of a fourth person. The man has been identified and arrested.

*Srinagar Police seeks help of the general public to identify one more suspect involved in terror attack at press enclave, Srinagar* :
Srinagar: 15 June 2018:https://t.co/2Y1Oo1Ioge @spvaid @JmuKmrPolice @KashmirPolice @DIGCKRSGR pic.twitter.com/5CwDikaydq

— Srinagar Police (@SrinagarPolice) June 15, 2018

Police say Shujaat Bukhari’s murder was meticulously planned

The killing of senior journalist and editor-in-chief of Rising Kashmir, Shujaat Bukhari, was meticulously planned . One youth kept a watch on him and later alerted the two other gunmen who came to the Press Enclave and fired on his vehicle from all the sides leaving him and two policemen guarding him dead.

According to police officials investigating the case, the youth keeping watch gestured to his associates as soon as the senior journalist stepped out of his office and boarded his vehicle to head home. After spraying the vehicle with bullets, the gunmen fired into the air to prevent people from taking the occupants of the car to the hospital. The gunmen soon left the place shouting Allahu Akbar (God is great).

Protests in Pakistani side of Kashmir against the killing of Shujaat

Shujaat Bukhari started many initiatives for both sides of Kashmir, including a form for reporter from both sides of Kashmir, to exchange ideas and write stories together. He led a delegation of more than 20 journalists from valley to Pakistan few years ago.

Image courtesy: Twitter@ShakilMadiha

US Mission in India condemns Bukhari’s killing

In a tweet, US ambassador to India Kenneth Juster said that the US Mission in India strongly condemns the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, and security officers Hamid Chaudhary and Mumtaz Awan. “We offer our sincere condolences to their family, friends, and colleagues,” he said.

The U.S. Mission in India strongly condemns the killing of #ShujaatBukhari, a highly-respected journalist and the Editor-in-Chief of @RisingKashmir, and security officers Hamid Chaudhary and Mumtaz Awan. We offer our sincere condolences to their family, friends, and colleagues.

— U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) June 15, 2018

South Asia FCC condemns Shujaat Bukhari’s assassination

The Foreign Correspondents’  Club of South Asia (FCC), New Delhi, condemned the brutal and senseless killing of senior Kashmiri journalist Shujat Bukhari in Srinagar. “We demand an immediate probe into this dastardly crime, and appeal to the authorities to find the guilty and punish them,” it said in a statement.

Shujaat Bukhari’s writing reflected belief in political solution to Kashmir conflict

A look into the last few writings of the Rising Kashmir, where he worked as the editor-in-chief, gives an idea of his stand over several issues — be it condemning the social sanctioning of youth turning to violence in the Valley, asking the State to re-think on its methods or urging the Kashmiri society to reflect on the growing violence in the Valley. Besides, that in one of the last tweets, Bukhari was actually defending his journalism, makes his last articles important to understand just what that might be that he was eager to defend.

Describing how worrying the societal sanction for violence in Kashmir is becoming the new normal in the Valley, especially for the youth, and the State’s response to it, Bukhari wrote , “They (Kashmiri youth) resist government attempts to take on the militants. When the army, the paramilitary forces, and the police cordon an area to search for a militant, it is a civilian who puts up resistance and, in the end, both the militant and the civilian dies… Who is pushing these youth to pay this price and why?

Kashmir Press club condemns killing of Shujaat Bukhari 

“The Kashmir Press Club (KPC)/Aiwan-e-Sahafat has strongly condemned the gruesome killing of senior journalist and editor of Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari.”

“The club is pained at the loss of its senior member and considers the killing as an assault on the entire media fraternity in Kashmir. Unfortunately, journalists in Kashmir have been prone to assaults from all sides of the conflict and the brazen attack on Shujaat inside the Press Enclave again brings to fore the risks under which media works in Kashmir. Such attacks on media fraternity are entirely unacceptable and KPC would like to reiterate that such acts would never cow down the resilience of the Kashmir media.”

“His loss is a huge set back to the entire press fraternity of the valley. The dastardly act amounts to attack on freedom of speech. Silencing a professional like him is absolutely unfortunate”, KPC Vice President Shuja ul Haq said in a statement issued in Srinagar.

Thursday was not the first time Bukhari faced an assasination bid

In June 2006, when he was leaving his office from the same Press Enclave, three gunmen directed him to board an auto. After they travelled few hundred meters one of the kidnappers received a call. The driver changed the direction and travelled through the busy streets of old Srinagar city, when they demanded of Bukhari to get out. One of the attackers took a pistol out and aimed at him. But it got locked. Bukhari raised hue and cry, some passersby came to help, and freed him from their clutches.

This was third assassination attempt on him. He is survived by two children, both in school, and wife and aged parents. His father was a school teacher who belonged to an influential family of Sayeeds of Kreeri in north Kashmir.

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi says Bukhari’s killing proves terrorists are enemy of humanity and Islam

Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said in a tweet: “The killing of renowned journalist Shujaat Bukhari Sahab & brave soldier Aurangzeb in the Holy month of Ramadan has once again proved that coward terrorists are the enemy of not only humanity but also the Islam.”

The killing of renowned journalist Shujaat Bukhari Sahab & brave soldier Aurangzeb in the Holy month of Ramadan has once again proved that coward terrorists are the enemy of not only humanity but also the “Islam”.

— Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (@naqvimukhtar) June 15, 2018

CPM’s Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami calls Bukhari’s killing a cowardly act

Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, CPM leader and MLA from Kulgam told at the funeral of the Rising Kashmir editor that it was a cowardly act aimed at muzzling the voice of press in the state. 

“They have not killed a man but an idea, an idea about brining peace in Jammu and Kashmir. He was an institution who wanted to build brides between people of Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India, and even Pakistan. His death has created a void that will not be easily fulfilled. How can anyone get anything out of by killings him," he said.

PDP leader Haseeb Drabu tweets over Shujaat Bukhari’s killing

Former Jammu and Kashmir finance minister and senior PDP leader Haseeb Drabu on Thursday said that devastated and numbed by the news about the murder of senior journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir Syed Shujaat Bukhari.

Taking to Twitter, Drabu wrote: “Devastated and numbed by the news about Shujaat Bukari.This is beyond insanity.”

Spare me the symbolism. What all do I mourn today? Killing of a human being? A fellow Kashmiri? A dear friend? An accomplished journalist? An obedient son? A loving brother? A caring father? A cultural activist? An articulate voice? Brutality of killing a rozadar @ Iftaar?

— Haseeb Drabu (@HaseebDrabu) June 14, 2018

Lashkar-e-Taiba condemns Shujaat Bukhari’s killing, calls it a conspiracy

Lashkar-e-Taiba on Friday strongly condemned the killing of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari even as it blamed “Indian” agencies “enmity” towards every individual who is “loyal to the freedom movement.”

Abdullah Ghazanwi, militant organization’s spokesman in a statement issued quoting Mahmood Shah, Chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba, said: “Killing of Shujaat Bukhari is a conspiracy hatched to suppress the voice of indigenous freedom struggle. Indian agencies have enmity towards every individual who is loyal to the freedom movement. The world must pay attention to India’s vicious and ill-fated conspiracies.”

Absentia funeral prayers for Shujaat Bukhari at Jamia Masjid after Friday prayers 

Funeral prayers in absentia will be held for slain journalist Shujaat Bukhari at Jamia Masjid after Friday prayers. Bukhari, who was editor-in-chief of Rising Kashmir was shot to death along with two police guards by unknown gunmen at Press Enclave in Srinagar on Thursday evening.

Funeral prayers held for Shujaat Bukhari

Several important individuals including top politicians, bureaucrats, officials of police and civil administration joined the funeral prayers of veteran journalist Syed Shujaat Bukhari at his ancestral village Kreeri.

Rising Kashmir hits stands with Shujaat pic in black background

English newspaper ‘Rising Kashmir’ published its daily edition on Friday even after losing its editor-in-chief Shujaat Bukhari in an assassination which also left two of his two personal security officers (PSOs) dead.

Bukhari and his two PSOs were shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside Rising Kashmir office in Press Enclave near the city centre Lal Chowk here in Srinagar shortly before the iftaar on Thursday evening. Bukhari is survived by his wife and one son and a daughter.

Rising Kashmir hit the stands on Friday morning with its front page carrying the full-page photograph of its late editor-in-chief in black background. The page also carried the message that the paper would not be cowed down.

“You left all too sudden but you will always be our leading light with your professional conviction and exemplary courage. We won’t be cowed down by the cowards who snatched you from us. We will uphold your principle of telling the truth howsoever unpleasant it may be…Rest in peace!” the paper said. 

PTI

Hundreds gather for last rites ceremony of Shujaat Bhukhari

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Day after senior journalist and Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari was killed in Srinagar, the last rites were performed for him. 

Jammu & Kashmir: Last rites ceremony of Rising Kashmir editor #ShujaatBhukhari, in Baramulla. He was shot dead by terrorists in Srinagar last night. pic.twitter.com/UldKVovVIs

— ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2018

Updates begin for 15 June, Friday

Many of us are heartbroken to lose you (Shujaat Bukhari): Sagarika Ghose

RIP dear friend #ShujaatBukhari so many of us are heartbroken to lose you at this crucial time when you stood as one of the last bridge-builders between Kashmir and the rest of India. As a tribute to you, lets work to try and end the hate and violence on both sides https://t.co/J0yiuVkujx

— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) June 14, 2018

Centre, state committed for press freedom: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore

“This is a shameful act. Media is free in India. The state government and the central government are committed for the freedom of press in the country and the state,” ANI quoted Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore as saying.

Mehbooba Mufti meets family of Shujaat Bukhari

Visuals of CM Mehboob Mufti meeting the family of Shujaat Bukhari, Editor of Rising Kashmir newspaper, who was shot dead by terrorists in Press Colony in in Srinagar city. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/jOizsk3J8s

— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018

Omar Abdullah shares his last DM exchange with Bukhari

My last DM exchange with #ShujaatBukhari. I can’t believe the mulaqat we were going to fix will never take place now. Life is just too uncertain & often too unkind. pic.twitter.com/8yED2iZKzl

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 14, 2018

With a few hours to go for Eid, this is terrible: Mamata Banerjee

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

Editors Guild of India unequivocally condemns assassination of Shujaat Bukhari

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

Assassination of Shujaat Bukhari a brutal attack on press freedom: Rajyavardhan Rathore

Assassination of #ShujaatBukhari is a brutal attack on freedom of press. A cowardly and deplorable act of terror. Our fearless media is one of the greatest strength of our democracy and we are committed to provide a safe and conducive working environment to media persons.

— Col Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) June 14, 2018

Shujaat Bukhari was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice: Rahul Gandhi

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

Shujaat Bukhari assassinated for being advocate for peace and reconciliation: Barkha Dutt

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

Absolute shock for me: Hina Bhat, BJP leader

“Day before, I met him at a function. This is an absolute shock for me,” Hina Bhat, BJP leader, told India Today TV.

Mehbooba Mufti tears up, says Bukhari’s demise is ‘very shocking’

“This is very shocking. What else can I say? Only a few days back, he had come to meet me,” said an emotional Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

Shujaat Bukhari was a rare voice of moderation in Kashmir: Barkha Dutt

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

Bukhari was attacked by three bike-borne assailants from close range: Reports

#UPDATE - Three motorcyclist borne assailants killed Shujaat Bukhari from close range: Sources pic.twitter.com/XEo68LX2ds

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 14, 2018

Killing of Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice: Rajnath Singh

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

One PSO of Shujaat Bukhari also shot dead: Reports

Shekhar Gupta calls Shujaat Bukhari ‘an incredibly brave editor’

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

Shujaat Bukhari and I were colleagues at The Hindu: Siddharth Varadarajan

Shujaat Bukhari and I were colleagues at The Hindu. He was a formidable reporter, and, as editor of Rising Kashmir, a powerful voice for the embattled media fraternity, a true voice of sanity and reason. No words of condemnation are enough for the scum who have assassinated him.

— Siddharth (@svaradarajan) June 14, 2018

Deeply shocked: Muzaffar Baig, senior PDP leader on the demise of Shujaat Bukhari | News18

Shujaat Bukhari’s last tweet from today:

It is unfortunate that a credible think tank like @orfonline should allow this diatribe in absence of the person referred to. In #Kashmir we have done Journalism with pride and will continue to highlight what happens on ground. @samirsaran https://t.co/bGjajFT9yb

— Shujaat Bukhari (@bukharishujaat) June 14, 2018

Violence cannot silence the pen: All India Congress Committee communication department secretary

Very Sad. It’s shocking & a terrible news. Violence cannot silence the Pen. #ShujaatBhukari https://t.co/A7fmEx2ssQ

— Dr Vineet Punia / विनीत पुनिया (@VineetPunia) June 14, 2018

Omar Abdullah tweets on journalist’s demise, says he is ‘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

Scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid: Mehbooba Mufti

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

Deeply shocked: Shehla Rashid

Veteran journalist Mr. Shujaat Bukhari has been attacked in Press Colony, Srinagar. Shocked. Deeply shocked. https://t.co/V1Ipl3bTyX

— Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) June 14, 2018

Shocked to hear about attack on Bukhari: Ram Madhav

Shocked to hear about d attack on d Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari in Srinagar. Reprehensible n condemnable cowardly act of d terrorists

— Ram Madhav (@rammadhav_) June 14, 2018

‘Rising Kashmir’ editor Shujaat Bukhari dead: Reports

Visuals of the spot where Bukhari was attacked

#SpotVisuals: Terrorists attack editor of Rising Kashmir newspaper Shujaat Bukhari in Press Colony in Srinagar city. Bukhari and his SPO are injured. pic.twitter.com/m9ghQZVctT

— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018