New Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday sent a notice to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary and the state’s police chief in connection with the killing of ‘Rising Kashmir’ editor Shujaat Bukhari and said the incident was causing “serious threat” to free speech and freedom of press in the state.

The NHRC said it had taken suo motu cognisance of an appeal by SAMDEN, a network of editors and media practitioners, which had urged the NHRC and the Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission to push for a swift probe into the case.

Bukhari, 53, and his two PSOs, were shot dead by gunmen outside the newspaper’s office in the heart of Srinagar on June 14.

“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 NHRC said in a statement.

“The state government is also expected to provide details of the attacks made on mediapersons during the past two years, along with number of persons who have died or been injured, and the status of relief and rehabilitation provided to victims and their families,” the rights panel said.

The commission said it would also like to know as to what “special measures have been taken by the state government to stop such incidents” and added that the response was expected within four weeks.

The deceased journalist had been under police protection since 2000. He was reportedly facing threats, being a rare voice of moderation and an advocate for peace and justice. Many other NGOs and human rights defenders had also raised their voice against the threats, attacks and murders carried out against mediapersons, the NHRC said.