Kashmir police on Thursday released images of the alleged killers of Shujaat Bukhari, editor-in-chief of Rising Kashmir, and requested the public’s help in identifying them.
Bukhari, 48, was targeted by three gunmen on a motorcycle while he was in his car, having just left his Press Colony office just before Iftar. He was accompanied by two security guards, Abdul Hameed and Mumtaz Ahmad, who were also killed as multiple bullets were sprayed at them..
The photos released by the Jammu and Kashmir Police around midnight show three men riding a motorcycle with their faces covered.
In an official statement, the police said, “In connection with the today’s attack at Srinagar’s Press enclave, police requests the general public to identify the suspects for the purpose of the police investigation.”
“Any information pertaining to the suspects in the photographs should be submitted to Police Station Kothibagh on 9596770623 or PCR Srinagar on 9596222550, 9596222551, 01942477568 or Police Control Room Kashmir on ‘100’,” the statement added.
The police said that the name of persons providing any clue or information regarding the suspects will be kept confidential, news agency ANI reported.
Chief minister Mehbobba Mufti mourned the Bukhari’s death and described the attack as a “new low for terrorism”.
{{/usCountry}}Chief minister Mehbobba Mufti mourned the Bukhari’s death and described the attack as a “new low for terrorism”.
{{/usCountry}}Union home minister Rajnath Singh said “there is no doubt that terrorists have killed Shujaat Bhukhari.”
An advocate of a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, Bukhari survived assassination attempts in the past and was under police protection since 2000.
He was instrumental in organising several conferences involving former diplomats and generals from India and Pakistan, and was also part of the Track-II diplomatic process with the neighbouring country.