Shujaat Bukhari Biography 
Shujaat Bukhari was a journalist, news reporter and the editor of Srinagar based Rising Kashmir English newspaper. It came to a great shock to the nation when this popular editor was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside his office in Press Enclave area of Srinagar on 14 June 2018. He was inside his car when he was attacked and shot. The driver of the car and 2 security officers were also killed in the attack. A civilian too was injured. He was leaving the office in Press Enclave in the city for an Iftar party, when this unexpected incident occurred. The incident occurred just a day before Id, making the situation more critical. Initial probe indicates terror attack, and was a targeted one.
Bukhari had earlier worked with The Hindu daily as its Kashmir correspondent. He worked as its bureau chief for nearly 15 years, before he launched his own newspaper. He was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir Valley, and was also a part of the Track II process with Pakistan. Thus he was known for his peace missions for noble causes. The veteran journalist was highly regarded in Kashmir, the rest of India and also globally.
He widely travelled and wrote a lot. Bukhari used to write in Kashmiri, Urdu and English. He was the president of Adbee Markaz Kamraz, the biggest and oldest cultural and literary organisation of the Valley. Through his newspaper he frequently highlighted human rights abuses, and served as a voice of reason and sanity.
The assailants opened fire on Bukhari's vehicle on Thursday evening, when he had just got out of his office for Iftar Party. He was hit by multiple bullets fired from a close range. A security guard protecting him and his driver were also shot. He and others were immediately rushed to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh hospital. But the journalist succumbed to his injuries. He was 48. Bukhari is survived by his wife, one son and a daughter. His security guard also died in the hospital. Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti visited the hospital. His brother Bashrat Ahmed Bukhari, is a minister in the Mehbooba Mufti government.
Published: N/A
Updated: June 18, 2018
