Srinagar, Jun 17 (KNS): The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), J&K strongly condemns the gruesome murder of Shujaat Bukhari, a noted journalist, litterateur and thinker.
The Group believes that the dastardly act is a direct attack on the freedom of speech and expression and aimed at silencing the voices of reason, logic and justice. We demand a free, fair, and transparent investigation by an independent agency so that the so called unknown assassins are unmasked, brought to book and made to face justice. In the opinion of the Group, if the Government is in the forefront to condemn the assassination, it must be equally interested in a credible enquiry and have no objection to an independent investigation of the tragic incident by a body, with experts of international repute, on it, to unravel the truth. We demand that the assassination should not be used as an excuse to delay the tripartite dialogue, derail the peace process or further increase level of oppression that has already crossed the limits.
The Group of Concerned Citizens is of the considered view that tragic and untimely death of Shujaat Bukhari has left a big void in journalism, literature and free and fearless thinking that cannot be filled for a long time. The Group expresses its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and journalist fraternity and prays that the bereaved have strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. (KNS)