The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has expressed shock and grief over the assassination of Jammu and Kashmir Minister of State for Education Ghulam Nabi Lone.

The Prime Minister condemned the dastardly attack and said that efforts to hamper the earthquake relief work and disturb peace in the state will be thwarted. He urged the people in the state to remain calm and defeat those spreading violence.

The Prime Minister has sent his condolences to the family members of Mr. Ghulam Nabi Lone and has spoken to Mr. Tarigami enquiring about his welfare.