Srinagar, May 24 -- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the murder of a preteen girl in Central Kashmir's Budgam district, describing the incident as "shocking" and "deeply distressing."

In a statement, Abdullah said the killing had raised serious concerns about the safety of children and called for reflection on the direction society was heading.

"The tragic murder of a young preteen girl in Budgam district of Central Kashmir is both shocking and deeply distressing. While the appropriate agencies enquire into the circumstances of her murder, it is also fitting that we reflect on where we as a society are headed when our young children are not safe," he said.

The Chief Minister condemned the attack "without reserva...