India calls Bhutto death terrible blow to democracy

India said the assassination of of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was a tragedy and a terrible blow to the democratic process.

"In her death the subcontinent has lost an outstanding leader who worked for democracy and reconciliation in her country," said Sanjaya Baru, spokesman for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Bhutto was killed in a gun and bomb attack as she left an election rally in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi, ahead of a national election due on January 8.

"It is equally sad that this happened when the people of Pakistan were looking up to her," junior Indian foreign minister Anand Sharma told the NDTV news channel.

"It is a terrible blow to the democratic process, and no words are adequate to condemn this abominable act," he said. "We offer our condolences to her bereaved family members but also to her friends and supporters at this hour of their grief."