SAMDAN denounces Bukhari’s killing, appeals to NHRC, seeks swift probe

Delhi: The South Asia Media Defenders Network (SAMDEN), while denouncing the brutal killing of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari, urged the NHRC and the Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission to “push for swift investigation” into the case, media  reports said.

Bukhari, was killed along with his two PSOs in Press Enclave here in Srinagar on June 14.

“Bukhari’s murder highlights the growing dangers of being a journalist, and also the impunity with which threats, attacks and murders have been carried out,” said Sanjoy Hazaika, International Director of Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) in a letter.

The copies of the letter have been sent to National Human Rights Commission chairperson justice (retd) H L Dattu, the SHRC, as well as to David Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, the CHRI said in a statement.

SAMDEN is an informal association of independent editors and media practitioners, anchored in CHRI.

“SAMDEN, cognizant of the increasing attacks on media workers and professionals, and pressures on freedom of speech and expression, calls upon the central and the state governments to take necessary steps to ensure safety and security for all journalists in India,” the statement said.