Modi condemns killing of Jordan pilot

New Delhi, Feb 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said he was "deeply shocked and saddened" to learn of the brutal killing of Flight Lt. Moaz al-Kasasbeh of Jordan. "This incident is a stark reminder that the persisting menace of terrorism and extremism continues to remain a formidable challenge, calling for a concerted and sustained response from the global community. We strongly condemn such heinous, senseless and cowardly acts," Modi wrote to Jordan's King Abdullah-II. "In this hour of grief, India stands in solidarity with the bereaved family and the people and government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan," he added. Al-Kasasbeh was captured Dec 24 after his plane crashed during a joint strike on the IS in northern Syria. A video was released Tuesday showing the burning alive of al-Kasasbeh leading to horrified reactions across the world.