Journalists' body seeks probe into Bukhari's murder

The South Asia Media Defenders Network (SAMDEN), an informal association of independent editors and media practitioners, on Saturday urged the National Human Rights Commission and Jammu & Kashmir HRC for a swift investigation into the murder of Shujaat Bukhari.

“SAMDEN was 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,” said a statement by the association that is anchored in the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI).

Bukhari and his two PSOs were shot dead by gunmen 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 CHRI, said.

Hazaika has written to National Human Rights Commission Chairman Justice H L Dattu, the J&K SHRC, as well as to David Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression.