Senior journalist and editor of Rising Kashmir, Shujaat Bukhari, was shot dead by unknown gunmen at Press Colony in Srinagar today evening.
Bukhari, who has more than two decades of journalistic experience, was one of the most well known journalists in Jammu and Kashmir.
He is survived by two children and wife, who is a doctor.
Bukhari was attacked while he was leaving his office at Press Colony in Srinagar.
Reports said he was shot multiple times from a point blank range. Two of his security guards were also critically injured in the attack.
The attack has send shock waves across the journalitic community in Kashmir.
The incident has come when markets in Kashmir were bustling with activity in the eve of Eid on June 15 or 16.
Shujaat Bukhari was provided security by the government since 2000.
''Shocked & deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Shujaat Bukhari. The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family,” tweeted Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.
Bukhari started his career with Kashmir Times and then shifted to The Hindu. He worked for the paper for more than a 15 years before starting his own newspaper under the banner, Kashmir Media Group which also owns an urdu daily Buland Kashmir and a Kashmiri newspaper.
After being shot, Bukhari was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.
Bukhari hails from a well known family in Kreeri, Pattan in Baramulla. His father taught English in government colleges till his retirement. His elder brother, Basharat Bukhari is a cabinet minister for Agriculture.
“Inna lilahi wa inna illahi rajiuun. Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find a place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time,” tweeted Omar Abdullah.