New Delhi, Jun 15 (IANS): Condemning the cold blooded murder of Kashmir-based journalist Shujaat Bukhari, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) on Friday said his killers had "no respect for religion, humanity or restoration of peace".

"While the killers are yet to be identified, it is clear that those who committed this dastardly act on the eve of Eid, when the entire Valley is getting ready to celebrate the festival, have no respect for religion, humanity or restoration of peace. They must be identified and strong action taken against them," the CPI-M said in a statement.

It said the attack was a "targeted and planned murder".

Bukhari, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of English daily "Rising Kashmir", was gunned down on Thursday evening near his office in Srinagar's Lal Chowk area. He had survived previous attempts on his life and had been provided security.

His two security guards were also killed in the attack on Thursday.

"Shujaat was a fearless and independent journalist who refused to bow down to pressures from any quarter. His was a voice of reason and he was highly respected for his writings. His killing also highlights the difficult circumstances in which independent journalists work in Jammu and Kashmir," the CPI-M said.

"The CPI-M expresses its deep condolences to Bukhari's family and to his colleagues and also expresses deep condolences to the families of the security guards who were killed while fulfilling their duties," it said.