Stay away from us: Afzal's family tells politicians

Accusing political leaders of gaining mileage from their grief, the family of Afzal Guru, who was hanged in Tihar Jail on February 9, asked mainstream political parties to steer clear of them and not to visit his home “in the garb of offering condolences.”

 “One who swears by the constitution of India isn’t allowed to visit Shaheed Afzal Guru’s family. Some mainstream politicians are creating confusion by issuing statements on behalf of their party after their visit to our home,” Afzal’s cousin, Yasin Guru told Deccan Herald.

“We won’t allow them to malign the sacrifices of Shaheed Afzal and play politics in his name,” Yasin added, asking why the parties were “silent” when Punjab and Tamil Nadu Assemblies passed resolutions to protect the death row convicts from their states.

Asked about the proposal to pass a resolution in the state Assembly to return Afzal’s body to the state –which is mooted by independent legislator Sheikh Abdul Rashid—Yasin evaded a direct answer.