New Delhi, Feb 24: External Affairs Minister SM Krishna has termed the beheading of a Sikh in Pakistan as a matter of 'deep and serious concern'.

"I rise to strongly condemn the beheading of Sardar Jaspal Singh in the tribal areas of Pakistan. This barbaric and heinous crime is deplorable in the strongest possible terms," Krishna said.

The Minister made the statement in the Lok Sabha on 'beheading of a Sikh in Pakistan'.

"This incident of kidnapping and killing of Sikhs in Pakistan is a matter of deep and serious concern to the government, and is being taken up appropriately with the government of Pakistan," he said.

"Pakistan President has asked the authorities to investigate and take stern action against kidnappers in accordance with the law," Krishna said.

Krishna pointed out that the abductors, reportedly the Taliban, committed the crime when Singh's family was not able to pay a ransom.

"The president of Pakistan has also directed the authorities in Pakistan to take swift action for the release of a Hindu, kidnapped on Feb 19, 2010 by unknown persons," Krishna added.

OneIndia News