CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, has expressed shock at the untimely demise of celebrated journalist and former Resident Editor of Indian Express  Prem Kumar, who expired today at New Delhi after  a brief illness.

 In a condolence message here on Tursday Badal recalled his personal association with  Prem Kumar and said that he was a dedicated, upright editor whose columns were known for precision, objectivity and thorough analysis of complicated political situation. He said that during the troubled days of terrorism in Punjab, he handled the responsibility of one of the most critical assignment, at a time, when Punjab was desperately looking for a sane voice, to articulate the feelings of common man.

 The Chief Minister expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed to God to give peace to the departed soul and strengthen to them to bear this irreparable loss.  

Punjabnewsline.com editor Satinder Bains has also expressed shock at the sudden death of Prem Kumar. Satinder Bains had worked under Prem Kumar for about five years when he was resident editor of Indian Express at Chandigarh. He has expressed condolence to the family.