Martyrs' kin bay for Afzal Guru's blood

Why is govt not hanging him, ask relatives of victims

When the country pays tribute to the martyrs on the 10th anniversary of the attack on Tuesday, the victims’ families want to know why the government has not acted against Mohammad Afzal, also known as Afzal Guru, a Kashmiri convicted of conspiracy in the attack.

Manoj Dabas, son of head constable Om Prakash Dabas, told Deccan Herald: “I’m really unfortunate to have not attended the funeral of my father. I was in hospital and underwent surgery three days before terrorists struck Parliament. I am sad that Afzal Guru is still alive, despite the Supreme Court verdict to hang him.

“What will I say when a few politicians do not want him hanged. My grandparents are still waiting for their son. My grandmother keeps saying her son will come back after his duty,” said a teary-eyed Dabas.

Bipin, son of Delhi police officer Vijendra Singh, said the man behind the attack had managed to escape the noose for so long. “How can we say the martyrs’ family members will ever get justice,” he asks.

All India Anti-Terrorist Front chairman M S Bitta said, “The government should show seriousness while tackling the menace of terrorism, and hang Guru as soon as possible.”

In 2001, heavily armed terrorists barged into the Parliament premises and fired indiscriminately, killing nine security personnel. All the terrorists were gunned down by security personnel.

A year later, four accused, including Afzal Guru, were arrested and proved guilty after a trial. Guru, a Jaish-e-Mohammed militant and the only accused, was sentenced to death.