Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday wrote to the family of the editor-in chief of Rising Kashmir, late Shujaat Bukhari, who was shot dead along with his two guards by three motorcycle-borne assailants outside his office here last week.

"I am shocked at the cold-blooded killing of Shujaat Bukhari outside his office. One of the few moderate voices in an atmosphere torn apart by narrow political considerations, his loss is a grim reminder that progressive voices are constantly at the risk of being silenced by extremist elements," he said in a letter to Rafiuddin Bukhari, Shujaat’s father.

Gandhi said he lauded Bukhari’s courage to continue with his work, despite an earlier attempt on his life.

"In the true spirit of journalism, his moderate views were critical for a nuanced understanding of the Kashmir question. A firm votary of a political dialogue with Pakistan, his commitment towards a credible peace process will be remembered," he said.

"I offer my sincere condolences to the team at Rising Kashmir and wish you success in carrying on the excellent work done by you," the Congress chief added.

Shujaat and his two guards were shot dead by three motorcycle-borne assailants outside his office here last week.

MEHBOOB BEG

Senior leader of Peoples Democratic Party and former parliamentarian Dr Mehboob Beg visited Kreeri in Baramulla district on Monday to pay his condolences and express solidarity with the family members. Paying tributes to Shujaat the senior leader said that his death is a grim reminder how difficult it is in a conflict zone to voice your views. “Falling in line of duty speaks about your conviction and commitment. Two previous such attacks on him meant he knew the risks involved but stood firm on the path he had chosen for himself. To achieve so much and come to the level he had at such an early age is a tribute in itself. His death has left a lot for all of us to learn from. May his soul rest in peace,” Dr Beg added.

PAC MOURNS

The Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today mourned the killing of senior journalist and editor-in-chief of Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari.

A two-minute silence was also observed by the Committee in respect of the departed soul.

DR NIRMAL SINGH

Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Dr Nirmal Singh on Monday visited Kreeri in Baramulla district and offered his condolences to the bereaved family of Shujaat Bukhari.

Sympathizing with the mourners, Dr Nirmal Singh said the killing of Shujaat has sent a wave of anger and shock all across and it has been unequivocally condemned at all the levels.

He said the contribution made by Shujaat Bukhari in bringing innovations to the media in the state is historic and worth emulating for younger generations.

HAJI ANAYAT ALI

Chairman J&K Legislative Council Haji Anayat Ali today visited Kreeri to offer personal condolences to the family of late Shujaat Bukhari.

Haji Anayat remembered his last meeting with late Bukhari and said that he had a special place for Kargil in his heart. He said that they had many a times discussed issues of development, society, politics etc in Kargil with each other.

He said that people of Kargil have condoled the demise and a candle march was also organized in Kargil to remember the veteran journalist.

GHULAM HASSAN MIR

President of Democratic Party Nationalist (DPN) president and former minister, Ghulam Hassan Mir on Monday participated in the congregational fateha khwani of Shujaat Bukhari at his native village in Kreeri.

Mir paid tributes to Shujaat and prayed for his heavenly abode.

He also expressed solidarity with the bereaved family, saying that “we equally share his pain.”

He said that violence is no option to any issue. Mir also highlighted the role played by Shujaat at international forums.

ALL PARTIES SIKH COORDINATION COMMITTEE

All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has paid rich tributes to Shujaat Bukhari.

A delegation of APSCC led by its chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina visited the residence of slain journalist and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family especially Syed Basharat Bukhari, brother of Shujaat . Senior Sikh leaders that were part of delegation included S Ajeet Singh Mastana, Davinder singh, Manjeet Singh.

Raina said that Shujaat Bukhari was a true journalist who always upheld the principles and ethics of journalism. He said that through his write ups the late journalist conveyed feelings as well as aspirations of the common masses of the state and more so Kashmir.

SCIENTIFIC FRATERNITY OF SKUAST-K

The scientific fraternity of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology- Kashmir has strongly condemned Shujaat Bukhari’s killing.

President SSTA, Dr S A Dar in a statement said, “The killing of such a fearless journalist is a huge loss for J&K in general and for media fraternity in particular. SSTA is shocked and saddened by this mindless attack that claimed Shujaat’s life in the holy month of Ramadan. Such killing is unpardonable. He was the voice of those people who always endorse the path of peace and reconciliation.”

On the behalf of scientists of SKUAST-K, SSTA also expressed heartfelt condolences and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family members, friends and Rising Kashmir staff members.

JK LECTURERS FORUM

Jammu and Kashmir Lecturers Forum has expressed its deep shock over the gruesome killing of Shujaat Bukhari.

In a statement media secretary J&K Lecturers Forum said, “The services which this great son of the soil rendered especially for those unvoiced sections of the society through his incredible writings are immortal. Entire lecturer fraternity expresses heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prays to Almighty Allah for his place in Jannah and strength to the bereaved members of his family to bear this loss.”

COLLEGE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

President of J&K College Teachers Association Prof Tariq Ashai has expressed grief and anguish over the brutal killing of Shujaat Bukhari.

In a statement, the CTA said, “Shujaat was an asset for the state and a voice of peace has been silenced forever.

PROF SAIFUDDIN SOZ

Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Prof Saifuddin Soz visited Kreeri today to express solidarity with the family members of Shujaat Bukhari.

Speaking on the occasion Prof Soz explained that Dr Shujaat Bukhari tried to promote a strong debate on the miseries that the people of Kashmir suffered primarily for the fact that there was hostility between India and Pakistan. Therefore, he was a strong votary of cordiality between India and Pakistan.