Media body condemns killing of Kashmiri journalist Bukhari

The International Press Institute (IPI) today vehemently condemned the killing of editor Syed Shujaat Bukhari by unidentified gunmen in Kashmir.

Bukhari, editor-in-chief of the daily 'Rising Kashmir', was shot dead outside his office in Srinagar yesterday.

Two police officers provided to him as personal bodyguards were also killed in the attack. The government has blamed militants based in Kashmir for the killings.

IPI Head of Advocacy Ravi R Prasad denounced Bukhari's murder, saying "The killing of Mr Bukhari, an upright and bold journalist, is an act of cowardice by elements of society who are unable to tolerate criticism".

"Without swift state action, his murder will silence the many brave journalists in Kashmir. The government of India must thoroughly investigate this assassination and bring the killers to justice," he said.

Vienna-based IPI is a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists working towards media freedom.