Cong distances itself from Azad's plea for clemency to Afzal

New Delhi, Oct 4 (UNI) The Congress today distanced itself from the plea made by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad for Presidential pardon to Mohammad Afzal Guru, sentenced to death for attack on Parliament, saying it was a Constitutional issue to be decided by the President.

"The stand of the Congress is clear.This is a constitutional issue to be decided by the authority nominated under the onsitution," Congress Spokesman Jayanti Natrajan said replying to a question as to whether the Congress approved of the demand by Mr Azad for Presidential pardon to Afzal Guru.

It is for the President to decide, she said, adding the Congress cannot take a stand against the Constitution. "There is no question of the Congress taking a position on the issue." Under the law any convict can make a petition for mercy or reduction in his sentence and it was for the President to decide, Mrs Natrajan said.

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