Senior journalist and Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari and his PSO were shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside the newspaper's office in the heart of this Jammu and Kashmir summer capital.
Shujaat Bukhari, who was in his 50s, was leaving his office in Press Enclave in the city centre Lal Chowk for an iftar party when he was shot, officials said.
While one of the personal security officers (PSO) guarding him was killed, another policeman and a civilian were injured, they added.
The condition of the two injured in the shooting, which comes a day ahead of Eid, is critical, they said.
Here are the highlights on this developing incident:
Wreath laying ceremony for Ct Abdul Hameed & Ct Mumtaz Ahmad who got martyred in today's incident at press enclave held at DPL Srinagar. Officers led by DIG CKR laid floral wreaths on their mortal remains & paid rich tributes to the martyrs. RIP. @JmuKmrPolice @spvaid @DIGCKRSGR pic.twitter.com/vldHoaJPXK
- Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) June 14, 2018
General public is requested to identify the suspects in pictures involved in the today's terror attack at press enclave. @JmuKmrPolice @spvaid @DIGCKRSGR @PoliceSgr pic.twitter.com/g7ccSHRKeR
- Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) June 14, 2018
Shujaat Bukhari, one of the very few sane voices on the issue of Kashmir has been assassinated. This is the time to reflect on the seeds of hatred being sown and realise the value of those who put their lives at risk to keep the truth alive. My deepest condolences.
- Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) June 14, 2018
'#RisingKashmir' editor #ShujaatBukhari shot dead in #Srinagar
- NDTV (@ndtv) June 14, 2018
Senior journalist @tavleen_singh on @LRC_NDTV pic.twitter.com/uuQAjXu8IF
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
Had a conversation with him just 20 minutes before the incident. It's really shocking.This is the situation of journalists in Kashmir.Jinke haath khoon se range huye hain, unko introspect karna hoga: Iftikhar Gilani, Senior Journalist on the killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari pic.twitter.com/Dy4rW6s6hN
- ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018
Heard the terrible news about senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari. Enemies of humanity have silenced a voice of sanity in Kashmir. May God give courage to his family in this hour of grief
- Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 14, 2018
Shujaat Bukhari Was Voice Of Moderation: Editors Guild StatementSenior Jammu and Kashmir journalist Shujaat Bukhari was shot dead this evening by terrorists outside his office in Srinagar, just when he stepped out to go home."
Deadly shocked & saddened by the unfortunate news of @bukharishujaat 's death. Indeed darkest days for fearless & independent journalists in the country. Govts must ensure speedy investigation & punish the perpetrators. Where we are heading as a country?
- Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) June 14, 2018
This is a shameful act. Media is free in India. The state govt & the central govt are committed for the freedom of press in the country & the state: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Union Minister on the killing of Editor of Rising Kashmir newspaper Shujaat Bukhari. pic.twitter.com/ROYpeSv1ok
- ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018
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
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 (@rammadhavbjp) 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
We're deeply dismayed to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave and outspoken voice for justice and equality in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Amnesty India (@AIIndia) June 14, 2018
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
- It's a very unfortunate incident.
- Today at about 7:30 pm when he was coming out of his office and boarding his car, three terrorists came on a motorcycle and opened fire. Two of his PSOs (personal security officers) were also hit and one of them is no more the other is under treatment. They were shot before they could react.
- They (the terrorists) chose the Iftaar time when everybody was rushing home. We will look into who these people are
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
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
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
