Srinagar, June 15: Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta has expressed shock over the killing of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari in Srinagar.
Recalling Bukhari’s standing as a veteran journalist, the Deputy Chief Minister described his murder as a big loss to the media fraternity.
In his message, the Deputy Chief Minister prayed to God to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Dr. Nirmal Singh while expressing his shock and outrage at the brazen murder of Bukhari, in his condolence message prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and endurance for the family and friends of the deceased to bear this irreparable loss.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Sat Sharma condemned the killing saying that such barbaric acts cannot be justified at any cost. He conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family and those of the security officers who were also shot along with Bukhari.
Sat Sharma prayed to Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
Minister for Tourism, Tassaduq Hussain Mufti while expressing grief over the killing, said, “Shujaat Bukhari was a man who stood for peace. He did so with conviction, perseverance and fortitude. He did so against all odds and despite a serious threat to his life.”
Tassaduq Mufti said “a day of festivities has become a day of mourning. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. My deepest condolences.”
Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Abdul Gani Kohli and Minister of State for Forest, PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Mir Zahoor Ahmed also expressed grief and shock over the killing of Bukhari. They said that Bukhari played a pivotal role in institutionalizing journalism in Kashmir and will be remembered for his services in the field of journalism and upholding truth.
Both the Ministers participated in the funeral prayers of Bukhari who was laid to rest at his ancestral place of Kreeri-Pattan in Baramulla district.
They also extended their heartfelt condolences with the bereaved family.
Vice-President of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Zafar Iqbal Manhas also condoled the killing of veteran journalist. “Shocked, devastated and dumb founded, I am unable to express my deep sorrow and pain on the brutal killing of Syed Shujaat Bukhari,” Manhas said in his condolence message.
Describing him as an intelligent, active and energetic person, the JKAACL vice-president said that Shujaat was a great votary of peace and human rights “who always stood for communal harmony”.
“Rest in Peace dear Shujaat, you will be missed for long by not only by nears and dears but by all those who knew you,” Manhas prayed.
Minister for Agriculture Muhammad Khalil Bandh said that Bukhari will be always remembered for his professional journalistic acumen. He said that his loss has created a void in Kashmiri journalism which would be difficult to fill in near future. He expressed his sympathies with the deceased family.
Minister of State for Housing & Urban Development, Social welfare, Health & Medical Education, Power Development and Industries & Commerce, Asiea Naqash also expressed sorrow and grief over the gruesome killing of Shujaat Bukhari. She also expressed sympathies with Basharat Ahmed Bukhari, Cabinet Minister who is Shujaat’s brother and prayed for eternal peace and highest place in heaven to the departed soul.
Advisor to Chief Minister Prof Amitabh Mattoo said Bukhari’s death is a personal loss to him.
“I have lost a personal friend in Shujaat, who I have known for most of the last two decades. The media fraternity has been deprived of a courageous journalist, fiercely independent and someone who could not be boxed in by the familiar orthodoxies that define the politics of Kashmir. And the Valley’s civil society will gravely miss one of its most robust voices,” Prof Mattoo said.
