External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has condemned the assassination of Pakistan's Punjab Governor Salman Taseer.
In a letter to Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Mr. Krishna expressed his deep sorrow over and shock at the death of a “dynamic and progressive leader.”
“On behalf of the people and the government of India and his own, Mr. Krishna conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Pakistan,” said a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Taseer was gunned down by one of his guards on January 4. The guard, who surrendered to the police, was said to be upset with his stand on changing blasphemy laws.
The immediate provocation was said to be Taseer visiting a woman sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy, and forwarding her mercy petition to President Asif Ali Zardari.
