Srinagar: The Kashmiri political leader across the ideological divide vehemently condemned the brutal murder of senior editor Shujaat Bukhari and sought impartial probe to investigate his killing.

They also termed Shujaat as a fearless and courageous journalist.

“Terrorism has hit a new low with Shujaat’s killing. That too, on the eve of Eid. We must unite against forces seeking to undermine our attempts to restore peace. Justice will be done,” tweeted Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti

National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah and vice President Omar Abdullah on expressed shock and ‘profound’ grief over the assassination of veteran Journalist and editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir, Shujaat Bukhari.

Terming the killing of Shujaat as an assault on moderation, sanity and the very essence of democracy, senior Abdullah his son sought a speedy probe into the killing and said the government must ensure that the culprits are brought to justice as soon as possible.

Meanwhile Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq strongly condemned the killing of Shujaat calling it an assault on freedom of expression and speech and a cowardly act to silence meaningful voices.

He termed the slain journalist as a voice of Kashmiri people

Mirwaiz demanded an international and impartial probe to nab Shujaats killers, Mirwaiz  alternately called for a joint investigation commission comprising members from India, Pakistan, militant leadership and Hurriyat and the people of Kashmir could be formed to expose those behind such heinous crimes.

Jammu Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP) called the ‘brutal’ killing of Shujaat Bukhari as an irreparable loss to Kashmir.

JKDFP Secretary General Moulana Mohammad Abdullah Tari said that unknown gunmen were enemies of both Kashmiri people and Kashmir cause

CPI (M) leader and legislator Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, described Bukhari’s killing as a huge loss not only to the journalist fraternity but a true voice of sanity and reason as well.