Politicians from various political parties on Friday paid tribute to the noted journalist and former Editor-n-Chief of daily Rising Kashmir, Syed Shujaat Bhukari on his first death anniversary.
Bukhari along with his two security guards was killed lastyear on June 14, outside his Rising Kashmir office in Press Enclave, Srinagar.
FAROOQ ABDULLAH
National Conference President Farooq Abdullah while payingglowing tributes to Bukhari said, “I pay my tributes to all those journalistswho lost their lives in the line of duty. On this day I particularly rememberShujaat Bukhari Sahib. The jinxed providence of our state robbed us from a boldvoice in his shape, I pray for peace to his soul. I salute the valour of ourjournalistic community, who notwithstanding curbs and persecution has beenrendering their duties with dedication.”
“No society can think of harvesting the fruits of democracywithout securing its press fraternity all the required freedom and dignity.However it is imperative for the press fraternity to uphold the dignityassociated with the profession at any cost. The struggle by embattledjournalists and press fraternity of Kashmir to fight for the rights of peopleis commendable,” he was quoted saying in a statement issued by the NC.
OMAR ABDULLAH
National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah said, “Itake this opportunity to pay my homage to the noted journalist Shujaat Bhukari.He was a brave son of the soil, on his first martyrdom anniversary I pay myglowing tributes to him. There is a lot which the young budding journalists canemulate from his life and works. His voice may have been silenced but hiswritings will continue to guide the steps of new journalists.”
Among others from NC, party general secretary Ali MuhammadSagar, additional general secretary Sheikh Mustufa Kamal, Provincial presidentNasir Aslam Wani; Members of parliament elect Muhammad Akbar Lone, HasnainMasoodi, Senior leaders Abdul Rahim Rathar, Muhammad Ramzan Choudhary Chiefspokesperson Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, YNC Provincial President Salman AliSagar, Provincial spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar and additional spokesperson SaraHayat Shah have also paid glowing tributes to Bukhari.
HAKEEM YASEEN
Chairman People’s Democratic Front (PDF) Hakeem Yaseen alsopaid rich tribute to late Shujat Bukhari, an ace journalist, who was martyredlast year along with his two security guards at Press Enclave, Srinagar outsidehis office.
While paying homageto late Shujat Bukhari on his first death anniversary, Hakeem Yaseen eulogisedhis contribution to the institution of media in the state.
SHAH FAESAL
JK Peoples Movement chief Shah Faesal while paying tributeto Shujaat Bukhari highlighted his contributions in the evolution and promotionof journalism in the state.
Faesal said that martyrdom of Shujat Bukhari was a greatloss to Kashmir and Kashmir might never get such a powerful spokesman again.”He was a straight forward multidimensional personality who always stoodfor truth, courage and peace,” Faesal remarked.
SHEHLA RASHID
JKPM General secretary Shehla Rashid while paying hertribute to Bukhari on his first anniversary said that while the bearer of truthhad been silenced, no one could silence the truth he bore.
Attending the memorial event organised by Kashmir MediaHouse at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, she said that “Shujaat Sahab was more thanjust a journalist, he was a believer, an optimist.”
She also expressed concern over the conditions in whichlocal journalists operate in Kashmir