English newspaper Rising Kashmir hit the stands on Friday with a photograph of Shujaat Bukhari, the newpaper’s murdered editor-in-chief, on its front page. Bukhari was shot dead in Srinagar on Thursday. Rising Kashmir published its daily edition with a full-page photograph of Bukhari against a black background and message that said it would not be cowed down. “You left all too sudden but you will always be our leading light with your professional conviction and exemplary courage. We won’t be cowed down by the cowards who snatched you from us. We will uphold your principle of telling the truth howsoever unpleasant it may be...Rest in peace!” the paper said. Bukhari and his two personal security officers were shot dead by three unidentified gunmen outside Rising Kashmir’s office in Press Enclave near Lal Chowk in Srinagar on Thursday evening. His murder has been decried by politicians and journalists. Separatists have condemned Bukhari’s killing, terming it barbaric and unpardonable. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted the front page of Rising Kashmir and said: “The show must go on. As Shujaat would have wanted it to. This is today’s Rising Kashmir issue. That Shujaat’s colleagues were able to bring out the paper in the face of insurmountable grief is a testament to their professionalism and the most fitting tribute to their late boss.” Bukhari will be laid to rest in his ancestral village in Kreeri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday. (With PTI inputs)<doc-sep>New Delhi: In a front page message the morning after the killing of its founder and editor-in-chief Shujaat Bukhari, the Rising Kashmir assured its readers that he would always remain the “leading light” for the organisation which would uphold his “principle of telling the truth howsoever unpleasant it may be…’’ And true to its words, Friday and Saturday’s editions displayed the courage and balance that Bukhari was known for – and which also cost him his life – in ample measure. The two editions, brought out by the paper’s team amid great personal grief and pain, provide a glimpse into the nature of the editorial legacy that Bukhari has left behind, even if a question mark has now been placed over the financial future of a newspaper of which he was also, for all intents and purposes, the chief executive officer. Rising Kashmir ran a front page jacket on June 15 with a prominent image of Bukhari with the newspaper’s message: You left all too sudden but you will always be our leading light with your professional conviction and exemplary courage. We won’t be cowed down by the cowards who snatched you from us, We will uphold your principle of telling the truth howsoever unpleasant it may be… Rest in Peace! Its second page had a story on the release of the first-of-its-kind United Nations report on the human rights situation in Kashmir along with another one which read “India rejects UN report as fallacious”. There was another related story from across the border in Pakistan, with the headline, “PaK reference not to be construed to create false sense of equivalence with Kashmir, says Pakistan”. PaK, or Pakistan-administered Kashmir, is the acronym many newspapers in Jammu and Kashmir use to describe the region the Indian government calls PoK, or Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The selection and layout probably reflected Bukhari’s last editorial decision, taken just before his assassination outside the newspaper’s office by unidentified gunmen just after 7 pm on June 14. There was another story on the page on the case of the gang rape and murder of a minor girl in Kathua which stated that the police has claimed that a witness was being threatened by one of the accused. Along with this story was one about how an army man and two militants were killed in the Bandipora forests. While Bukhari had personally supported the idea of the Ramzan ceasefire, the bottom of the page carried a story on how “divergent views” had put a question mark on its continuation. The story referred to a meeting convened by Union home minister Rajnath Singh on the issue and the debate over the gains and losses due to the move. The killing of Bukhari has been blamed by many on the ceasefire, which allowed militants a free run. The newspaper dedicated its main masthead page to the killing of Bukhari with the headline “Shujaat silenced” and a sub-head which read, “Fearless journalist pays price for upholding the truth”. The paper also carried reactions of chief minister Mehbooba Mufti as well as separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik to Bukhari’s killing. This was accompanied on either side by Pakistan’s reaction and that of senior Congress leaders from Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad and G.A. Mir. The reaction of various media guilds and associations also figured on the page. But what stood out on it was an article in black reverse strip which noted how hours before his killing, Bukhari had defended the reputation of the Kashmiri media on social media in the face of trolling by right-wing commentators . Accused by some Delhi-based analysts of doing “biased” reportage on Kashmir, he had tweeted: “In #Kashmir we have done Journalism with pride and will continue to highlight what happen on ground”. Rising Kashmir’s editions following his death exemplified the “journalism with pride” he spoke of. The newspaper also carried a number of recent editorials written by Bukhari – “Blood soaked June”, “Talks must go on”, “Kashmir at the altar of India-Pakistan relations”, “Peace overtures in the time of war” and “Primetime propaganda”. The page also featured his other popular write-ups on “Machil fake encounter: Justice buried halfway”, “Divided Kashmir and the festering wound” and “How dead Butt, Guru help militance live and survive”. The bottom of the page had an article on “A dialogue to nowhere”, which had noted in the wake of the Centre sending former Intelligence Bureau chief Dineshwar Sharma as Jammu and Kashmir interlocutor in October last year that “joint Hurriyat leadership could have taken a different stand by appointing a group from within its rands to present a charge of demands and send the ball into Sharma’s court”. The last of the articles at the bottom of the page was on “Ceasefire: A Glimmer of Hope”, in which Bukhari had written “while Pakistan is an important stakeholder in the process, New Delhi also will have to move beyond this symbolic gesture and start talking about the political issue. Then only can this move put the failed ceasefires of the past behind.”<doc-sep>Peacemaker is the word that has come up spontaneously like an undulating chorus following Shujaat Bukhari’s death on Thursday. Peacemaker is the word that has come up spontaneously like an undulating chorus following Shujaat Bukhari’s death on Thursday. So much so that his name might almost be a metaphor for peacemaking. There has been an outpouring of grief, shock, and horror at the gruesome murder of this fine professional in the prime of his life. One would have expected a flood of messages from Kashmir, but it would appear that Shujaat had touched many, many people across the country. Without exception, people seem to have perceived him as one who strove hard to bring peace. Living and working as he did in one of the most conflict-ridden places, the image of peacemaker is perhaps the most creditable encomium anyone could have earned. Gentle engagement Many of those who knew him have focused on Shujaat’s soft-spoken, inclusive engagement. Many have noted that he reached out to even those whose opinions differed from his. His art of gentle persuasion was well-known to those who were familiar with him. It is striking that he was able to strike a chord with such a diverse range of people. Many have said publicly that they sought his opinions, and valued his views, even if they did not agree with him. His discourse was forthright, yet gentle. Authentic voice The other thing that has emerged in the wide range of remembrances is the impression of genuineness. Shujaat’s was an authentic voice of reason, sanity, and peace-making. He was taken seriously, and quite clearly made an impact across the board. In this light, it is a bitter irony that an apparently illogical tirade was launched against him at a conference in Delhi the day before he was assassinated. The speaker seemed to hold against Shujaat his commitment to his beliefs—and seemed to take that as proof that all those working for his paper would take a certain sort of political line. Shujaat was deeply upset in the last few hours of his life. Amazing versatility What ought to be noted alongside all this is Shujaat’s versatility. As a journalist, he had established a reputation as a fine reporter over several years. He started his own paper, and edited it with such professionalism that the paper rose steadily in circulation and commanded credibility. His articles under his own byline were taken seriously, even while he mentored and oversaw the work of a large number of employees and contributors. Many writers have noted that he welcomed contributions. While he was a senior journalist with The Hindu about a decade ago, Shujaat also gave guest lectures at the highly regarded Asian School of Journalism in Chennai. Versatile talents Many journalists would feel satisfied, and with good reason, if they had not only reported but also edited a daily and taught journalism. But despite putting in such a range of work as a journalist, Shujaat was also an accomplished public speaker. Over the past few years, he had become a familiar face at seminars, conferences, and think tank deliberations—including some quiet `track two’ ones. What is remarkable is that Shujaat never appeared stressed despite juggling so many responsibilities. Not only did he remain calm, he exuded a comforting warmth to those with whom he interacted. A notable aspect of Shujaat was his understated demeanour. He did not flaunt his accomplishments, like others might who have accomplished a lot and are widely travelled. He focused on reaching out and building bridges, rather than basking in achieved glory. In fact, one could safely say that Shujaat was only midway through his journey of achievements. He had become a key figure in the politics and geopolitics surrounding Kashmir and the subcontinent, and would surely have moved to bigger things. Now that his life has been so ruthlessly cut short, however, it is more than obvious that he had already done himself very proud. He has etched a mark on this period, and has left a rich legacy.<doc-sep>Editors and reporters are mourning the murder of Shujaat Bukhari, editor-in-chief of Rising Kashmir newspaper, calling the attack on him in Srinagar an example of the dangers of being a journalist in India. Bukhari, 48, was attacked by three gunmen on a motorcycle while he was in his car Thursday evening. Hailed as a fierce journalist with an independent voice, Bukhari spent nearly three decades championing a peaceful solution to the Kashmir conflict. Journalists have routinely been targeted across India. According to a report by International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), India witnessed death of five journalists in 2016. The country was placed 136th among 180 countries in the world press freedom rankings in 2017, by media watchdog Reporters without Borders. Tributes poured in over Twitter as journalists mourned the loss of a fellow scribe and friend. Here are some of the tweets: Still numb. Will always remember @bukharishujaat for his fearlessness, even if it meant calling out militant excesses. And the majority have the gall to club all Kashmiris as 'terror sympathisers' https://t.co/phoj2hJKwI — Harinder Baweja (@shammybaweja) June 14, 2018 Heartbreaking the loss of Shujaat Bukhari, an incredibly brave editor & an invaluable voice of middle-ground moderation. This is a loss for all Kashmiri’s, India and the entire journalistic community — Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) June 14, 2018 It’s a loss to all of us as a profession too. Shujaat mentored so many young journalists and was the first stop for mist journalists visiting the Valley. He’s a true martyr to the cause of courageous journalism https://t.co/kPaOSBsTr6 — Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) June 14, 2018 My friend @bukharishujaat was a rare voice of moderation in Kashmir who pandered to no extremes. May those who did this to him rot in hell. And may this be a moment for Kashmir to take note of the absolute insanity it is slipping into #ShujaatBukhari — barkha dutt (@BDUTT) June 14, 2018 Shujaat Bukhari and I were colleagues at The Hindu. He was a formidable reporter, and, as editor of Rising Kashmir, a powerful voice for the embattled media fraternity, a true voice of sanity and reason. No words of condemnation are enough for the scum who have assassinated him. — Siddharth (@svaradarajan) June 14, 2018 The Editors Guild of India unequivocally condemns the assassination of Rising Kashmir Editor Shujaat Bukhari. This is a grave attack on press freedom and democratic voices. We will be issuing a more detailed statement soon — Editors Guild of India (@IndEditorsGuild) June 14, 2018 Unbelievable! Kashmiri editor Shujaat Bukhari has been killed. What madness. A terrible loss. https://t.co/HfHh8SAWA0 — Basharat Peer (@BasharatPeer) June 14, 2018 It is a terrible day for us. I have known Shujaat for years. Agreed on so many things, had bitter disagreements as well, in last few years. Never thought he will go like this. — Rahul Pandita (@rahulpandita) June 14, 2018<doc-sep>
SRINAGAR: English newspaper 'Rising Kashmir' published its daily edition today even after losing its editor-in-chief Shujaat Bukhari yesterday in an assassination which also left two of his two personal security officers (PSOs) dead.Bukhari and his two PSOs were shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside Rising Kashmir office in Press Enclave near the city centre Lal Chowk here in Srinagar shortly before the 'Iftaar' yesterday evening.Bukhari is survived by his wife and one son and a daughter.Rising Kashmir hit the stands this morning with its front page carrying the full-page photograph of its late editor-in-chief in black background.The page also carried the message that the paper would not be cowed down. "You left all too sudden but you will always be our leading light with your professional conviction and exemplary courage. We won't be cowed down by the cowards who snatched you from us. We will uphold your principle of telling the truth howsoever unpleasant it may be...Rest in peace!" the paper said.Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said publishing the daily despite Bukhari's killing is the most fitting tribute to him as it was what the late journalist would have wanted to. "The show must go on. As Shujaat would have wanted it to. This is today's @RisingKashmir issue. That Shujaat's colleagues were able to bring out the paper in the face of insurmountable grief is a testament to their professionalism & the most fitting tribute to their late boss," Omar wrote on Twitter while sharing a picture of the front page of the paper.Bukhari's killing has evoked widespread condemnations in Jammu and Kashmir and from across the country.Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra has conveyed shock and grief on the gruesome killing of Bukhari. Recalling Bukhari's standing as a veteran journalist, the Governor described his murder as a big loss to the media fraternity.In a message, Vohra has prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. The Governor also called Bukhari's brother and Cabinet Minister Basharat Ahmed Bukhari to convey his heartfelt sympathy.Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has also strongly condemned the killing of the veteran journalist. In a condolence message, the chief minister described the killing of Bukhari as highly barbaric, deplorable and condemnable. "His killing has only established that violence cannot stand the scrutiny of logic and rationality. The whole state stands in unanimity in condemning this inhuman act of savagery," Mehbooba said in the statement.She said the role and contribution rendered by Bukhari in institutionalisation of the media here has become part of the journalistic history of the state. "One would always see him raising issues of common cause concerning people. He would often fight for the issues of people through his columns and various discussions but alas this voice of people stands silenced today brutally," Mehbooba said.The chief minister visited the hospital where Bukhari was taken after the attack and paid her respects to the departed soul. She also conveyed her heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family particularly his parents, wife and two kids.The separatists have also condemned his killing terming it barbaric and unpardonable.Bukhari will be laid to rest in his ancestral village in Kreeri in north Kashmir's Baramulla district today. His funeral prayers will be held at 11 am.Bukhari is the fourth journalist to be killed by militants in the nearly three-decade-long violence in Kashmir. In 1991, the editor of 'Alsafa', Mohammed Shaban Vakil, was killed by militants of Hizbul Muahideen.Former BBC correspondent Yussuf Jameel escaped with injuries when a bomb exploded in his office in 1995, but ANI cameramen Mushtaq Ali lost his life in the incident.Later, on January 31, 2003, Parvaz Mohammed Sultan, editor of NAFA, was shot dead by Hizbul Mujahideen at his Press Enclave office.