Shiv Sena opposes Afzal clemency plea, demands action against Azad

New Delhi, Sep 30 (UNI) Opposing clemency pleas made for Mohd Afzal Guru, the mastermind of the December 13, 2001 Parliament attack, by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, the Shiv Sena today demanded that ''such leaders be debarred from holding Constitutional positions and put behind bars''.

In a statement issued here, Sena's Northern India incharge and Delhi state president Jai Bhagwan Goyal said,''these leaders, particularly the Chief Minister, have taken oath on the Constitution of India and seeking clemency for such hardcore terrorists posed a threat to national security itself.'' ''India is governed by the Constitution not any religious laws and such moves aimed at appeasing the minorities were detrimental to national interests,'' Mr Goyal said and demanded that Mr Azad be removed as Chief Minister forthwith.

The Shiv Sena leader also called for putting behind bars all those who were espousing the cause of terrorists and anti-national elements.

In a separate statement issued here, the general secretary of the Indraprastha Vishwa Hindu Parishad Satyendra Mohan described the clemency plea by the J and K Chief Minister as unfortunate and contrary to national interest.

He demanded the immediate dismissal of Mr Azad from his post.

Meanwhile, the president of the Rahul Priyanka brigade Ajit Singh today said workers of the body would burn an effigy of those who were opposing the death sentence for Mohammed Afzal, who is to be hanged on October 20.

UNI AR YA VC1950