One Pakistani, two Kashmiris killed journalist Shujaat Bukhari
Jammu and Kashmir Police said that all three suspects in the cold-blooded murder of 'Rising Kashmir' editor Shujaat Bukhari have been identified. According to a senior official of the J&K police, two of the men were from Kashmir while the third was a Pakistani named Naveed Jutt, who had earlier escaped from police custody. Here are the details.
Bukhari, formerly with The Hindu for 15 years, was a widely recognized voice in the Kashmir issue. He actively advocated a peaceful resolution, had helped organize conferences involving former Indian and Pakistani diplomatic officials, and was part of the "Track-II" diplomatic process. He also ran the 'Buland Kashmir,' 'Parcham' and 'Sangarmal,' and had received, among many honors, the World Press Institute USA fellowship.
On 14th June, just moments after Bukhari left his Press Colony office for Iftar, he was gunned down by three armed men. Bukhari was travelling with two security guards, both of whom were also killed when the gunmen intercepted their car. Police had then said that the attack looked plan, owing to its execution during the Iftar rush.
Condolences poured in from all quarters after Bukhari's murder. Former CM Omar Abdullah wrote, "He died in the line of duty doing what he did best & loved doing- journalism." Congress President Rahul Gandhi called him "a braveheart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in J&K." J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti rushed to meet his family, while Home minister Rajnath Singh gave his condolences.
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
Following Bukhari's murder, the J&K police set up a special investigation team (SIT) headed by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Srinagar. Just days back, investigations revealed that orders for Bukhari's killing had come from Pakistan-based sources who weren't happy about Bukhari's efforts to bring peace. Notably, the claim that Pakistan had a hand in Bukhari's murder was backed by Pakistani journalist Ershad Mahmud.
The involvement of the Pakistani, Naveed Jutt, possibly puts to rest any speculation about Pakistan's involvement in the murder of the reputed journalist. How this development will affect India and Pakistan's already strained relationship remains to be seen. Just yesterday itself, India launched a blistering verbal attack on Pakistan over the Kashmir issue at a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting.
