Benazir killing is assassination of Pak democracy:JK CM

New Delhi, Dec 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today described the assassination of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto as a serious setback to the return of democracy in that country.

''The killing of Benazir was not assassination of an individual but of democracy in Pakistan which would impact the politics of the sub-continent,'' the Chief Minister said in a statement while expressing profound shock at the tragedy.

''We are looking forward to the return of democracy in Pakistan but the assassination of Ms Bhutto amid election scenario is a tragic news bound to adversely affect the electoral process there.'' Describing the incident as a ''gruesome act unacceptable in a civilised society,'' the Chief Minister said the world as a whole and India in particular, were eagerly looking forward to the upcoming elections in Pakistan and return of democracy there.

The incident had undermined that prospect, he said and hoped that Pakistan would overcome the tragedy.

He said Ms Benazir would be remembered for her long struggle for return of democracy in Pakistan.

UNI