Jammu, Dec 28 (UNI) The assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benzir Bhutto at a rally has triggered widespread condemnation in Jammu and Kashmir with various political parties believing the turbulent democratic situation in the neighbourhood could hit the ongoing peace process between the two countries.

Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was in New Delhi, termed Bhutto's killing a major setback to the return of democracy in Pakistan.

''It is not the assassination of an individual but of democracy in Pakistan, which would impact the politics of the sub-continent,'' he said.

Mr Azad, however, hoped the people of Pakistan would overcome the tragedy.

Former Chief Minister and National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah said the killing of Bhutto was a loss to the entire South Asia, which could affect the peace and democracy in the region.

The CPI (M) state committee termed the incident a cruel blow to the peace process and reconciliation in the sub-continent.

''It is a desperate bid to destabilise Pakistan, at a time when election preparations for the coming polls are in full swing,'' it said.

Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said the time had come for all the ''right thinking'' people in the region to take a fresh look at the situation and work together for uprooting the scourge of violence and senseless blood-letting.

UNI