Mixed reaction over Saddam's death verdict, security tightened

Lucknow, Nov 5 (UNI) Mixed reaction was expressed in the state over the death sentence to former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

While the Shias welcomed the decision terming it overdue justice for killing thousands of people during his regime, the Sunnis criticised the judgement, alleging it came due to pressure from the United States.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has beefed up security here and other sensitive towns in Uttar Pradesh after the death verdict to Saddam Hussein.

Welcoming the verdict, All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB) president Maulana Mirza Mohammad Athar said Saddam had done such heinous crimes, that even a death sentence was too small for him.

''The present Iraqi government should immediately hang him to death so that he does not receive any sympathy from the world community,'' he said.

On the contrary, Naib Imam of Lucknow Idgah Maulana Khalid Rashid, condemning the death sentence, said the verdict was given on pressure from the United States.

''It was a clear violation of Human Rights and the punishment was given without any evidence,'' the Maulana claimed.

Terming that the verdict has hurt the sentiments of the Muslims throughout the world, he said such things always provoked people.

He also questioned who should be punished for the killing of hundreds of people in the present regime in Iraq.

Meanwhile, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member Zaffar Ayeb Jilani said that he was yet to read the contents of the judgement.

''Though I am yet to read the content of the judgement, but still I think the verdict was very harsh,'' he reacted.

Police sources here said security had been beefed up here, particularly in the old city.

''We are taking no chances as the situation might get charged anytime,'' the sources maintained.

UNI MB ATI KD KP1840