The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:
The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly condemns the cowardly killing of Shujaat Bukhari, senior journalist and editor in-chief of Rising Kashmir. This was a targeted and planned murder. He had survived previous attempts on his life and had been provided security. Tragically his two security guards were also fired upon and later succumbed to their injuries.
While the killers are yet to be identified, it is clear that those who committed this dastardly act on the eve of Eid, when the entire valley is getting ready to celebrate the festival, have no respect for religion, humanity or restoration of peace. They must be identified and strong action taken against them.
Shujaat was a fearless and independent journalist who refused to bow down to pressures from any quarter. His was a voice of reason and he was highly respected for his writings. His killing also highlights the difficult circumstances in which independent journalists work in J & K.
The CPI(M) expresses its deep condolences to Shujaat Bukhari’s family and to his colleagues.
The CPI(M) also expresses deep condolences to the families of the security guards who were killed while fulfilling their duties.