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Kashmir Chief Minister Condemns Bhutto's Killing

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Dec 27: The pro-Indian Chief Minister of Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad has condemned the killing of former prime minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto in a shooting and bombing today.

Reacting to the tragic news that was broken in the evening today, the Chief Minister said that the killing of Benazir was not assassination of an individual but of democracy in Pakistan which would impact the politics of the sub-continent.

"We were looking forward to the return of democracy in Pakistan but the assassination of Ms Bhutto amidst election scenario is a tragic news bound to adversely affect the electoral process there", Azad said, adding that no words were enough to condemn the incident.

The Chief Minister denounced the incident as a gruesome act unacceptable in a civilized society. He said the world as a whole and India in particular was eagerly looking forward to the upcoming elections in Pakistan and return of democracy there. The incident has undermined that prospect, he said and hoped that the people of Pakistan would overcome this tragedy.

Azad paid rich tributes to Benazir, saying she would be remembered for her long struggle for return of democracy in Pakistan.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.