Mirwaiz seeks US intervention in Afzal Guru case

Srinagar, Oct 6 (UNI) Moderate Hurriyat Conference Chairman and Kashmir's chief priest Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has sought the US intervention in getting revoked the death sentence to Mohammad Afzal Guru, convicted in the December 13, 2001 Parliament attack case, an amalgam spokesman said today.

According to the spokesman, the Mirwaiz called on United States Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Richard Boucher in Washington yesterday.

During the meeting, the Mirwaiz sought the US intervention in getting revoked the death sentence awarded to Guru by a Delhi court for masterminding an attack on the Parliament.

The Hurriyat Chairman claimed that Guru was denied a fair trial and expressed fear that his execution would further deteriorate the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

''The Mirwaiz also urged the US officials to put pressure on India to revoke all draconian laws such as the Public Safety Act, the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act and the Disturbed Areas Act which are in effect in Jammu and Kashmir,'' the spokesman added.

Mirwaiz Faroor reiterated that the Hurriyat Conference was committed to a peaceful settlement of the vexed Kashmir issue.

UNI AG PK DB1348