Human Rights Commission sought report from Jammu and Kashmir government on Shujaat Bhukhari’s murder

Calling the murder of Rising Kashmir editor-in-chief, Shujaat Bukhari, as a big threat to free speech and freedom of press, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday has sought a detailed report from Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary and the state’s police chief within four weeks.

Following a plea by editors and journalists group SADMEN to Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission demanding a quick investigation into the killing of Bhukhari, the NHRC took suo motu cognisance.

The NHRC said in a statement, “Looking into the gravity of the matter, the commission has issued a notice to the chief secretary and the director general of police of Jammu and Kashmir, calling for a detailed report in the matter.”

The commission also asked the state government to provide a detailed report on the attacks on the journalists in last two years including the numbers of death, status of rehabilitation given to their families. Also, the commission asked the government what steps had been taken to combat such brutal attacks.

Bukhari and his personal security guards were shot dead outside the Rising Kashmir’s office on June 14 after he left his office.