Gulam Nabi's views on Afzal his own, says Cong

New Delhi, Sep 29 (UNI) The Congress today termed as personal view point of Kashmir Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad seeking Presidential pardon for Mohammad Afzal Guru, convicted and awarded death sentence in Parliament attack case, citing public sentiment in the valley against the verdict.

"The Congress views it as a view point of the Chief Minister. It is only a proposal," Congress Spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said, adding Mr Azad is entitled to express his views.

"We neither endorse nor reject the Chief Minister's view point", Mr Singhvi told reporters here.

He said the Congress was of the view that it was a matter within the exclusive domain of the President."The matter is governed by a special Constitutional provision and individual view point would only serve as an input in the process of taking decision by the President.

"You will have to allow established procedure to take its own course, "Mr Singhvi said, adding there was no question of backing Mr Azad's view. The government would take time to act on the matter, he said.

In reply to a question, the Congress Spokesman said the party stood by its stand taken soon after the Parliament attack that the guilty should be brought to the book.

UNI YS PK DB1841