A reminder of terror challenges, says Cong

The Congress Working Committee on Friday expressed its shock and grief at the brutal assassination of Pakistan8217;s former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

The Congress Working Committee CWC on Friday expressed its shock and grief at the brutal assassination of Pakistan8217;s former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

8220;Her assassination is yet another reminder of the grave challenge posed by the forces of terror and violence. This reprehensible and cowardly act, which has brutally cut short a life full of promise and potential, deserves to be strongly condemned by the civilised society,8221; the CWC said in a resolution.

At the brief CWC meeting, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee was learnt to have expressed concern about developments in the neighbouring country and told senior party leaders that the Government was carefully watching the situation in Pakistan.

The CWC met shortly after Congress president Sonia Gandhi hoisted the party tricolour at the AICC headquarters here to mark the 123rd Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress.

The Congress chief, who read out the CWC resolution, refused to answer any queries about the Himachal Assembly election results saying it was not the occasion to discuss that. The CWC also skipped any mention of the adverse results in Gujarat and the hill sate. These are likely to be discussed in another CWC meeting to be held early next month.

The CWC resolution said, 8220;To lose such a popular and charismatic leader, especially at this critical juncture, is a colossal tragedy for the people of Pakistan. Her death is a loss for the entire South Asia.8221;

It said Bhutto had served her country with courage and distinction. 8220;Knowing fully well the risk involved in the task of restoring the democratic process in Pakistan, she did not hesitate to risk her life in pursuing this objective with courage, commitment and dedication. Her supreme sacrifice to the cause of democracy in Pakistan will continue to be a source of inspiration to those who have firm faith in the spirit of democracy,8221; said the resolution.

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Meanwhile, senior Congress leader R K Dhawan, who is in charge of party affairs in Himachal Pradesh, admitted that the party was not expecting such an outcome in the state, because the Congress Government was instrumental in carrying out a lot of development. He said reasons for the defeat would be comprehensively analysed.