Shujaat Bukhari's killing brutal attack on freedom of press: Rajyavardhan Rathore

Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore today said the killing of Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari was a brutal attack on freedom of press.

"Assassination of #ShujaatBukhari is a brutal attack on freedom of press. A cowardly and deplorable act of terror. Our fearless media is one of the greatest strength of our democracy and we are committed to provide a safe and conducive working environment to media persons," the information and broadcasting minister tweeted.

Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said he was "deeply saddened" to learn about the "dastardly killing" of the veteran journalist.

"Such an attempt to suppress the sane voices by terrorists will never succeed," he said in a tweet.

Press Information Bureau (PIB) chief Sitanshu Kar said Bukhari's voice of moderation will be missed by all.

"Extremely saddened by the way the voice of #shujaatbukhari, one of the finest journalists of J&K, has been silenced. His voice of moderation will be missed by all," he tweeted.

Bukhari, who was in his 50s, was leaving his office in Press Enclave in the city centre Lal Chowk for an Iftar party when he was shot dead, officials said.