Congress leader opposes Azad's stand on Afzal

New Delhi, Oct 3 (UNI) Minister of State in Uttaranchal Government Dhirendra Pratap today opposed Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad's statement seeking Presidential clemency for Mohammad Afzal Guru who is to be hanged on October 20 in connection with the 2001 attack on Parliament.

In a statement issued in Dehra Dun, Mr Pratap urged Congress president Sonia Gandhi to direct Mr Azad to desist from taking such ''irresponsible'' stand on Afzal.

''The entire nation is looking to her to take a bold stand on the matter,'' he said.

Mr Pratap said while he had high regard for Mr Azad, but as a patriotic citizen, he was quite upset with his statement.

He has also sought an appointment with President A P J Abdul Kalam to will request him not to ''bow to pressure'' to pardon Guru.

UNI YS AK ht1625