JKNM urges President not to consider Guru's clemency plea

Jammu, Oct 18 (UNI) Jammu Kashmir Nationalist Movement today appealed to President A P K Abdul Kalam not to show mercy to Mohammad Afzal Guru, who has been convicted in 2001 Parliament attack case and has been awarded capital punishment.

Addressing mediapersons here, JKNM convenor Mohammad Afzaal urged the President not to show sympathy to Guru and urged him to help in maintaining dignity of the judiciary as well as the internal security of the country.

Mr Afzaal criticised political leaders, human right activists and media, who have been advocating clemency for Guru, for being soft on terrorism as well as militants.

''Such a step would have adverse affect on the soldiers who are fighting for the security of the nation as they would be demoralised,'' he added.

He said Afzal had not only been convicted by the trial court but also the Supreme Court and therefore the verdict of apex court should be implemented.

He accused Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah of indulging in vote bank politics by advocating clemency to Guru.

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