Haneef's wife wishes thanks-giving visit to Mecca

Bangalore, July 27: Elated over the ''good news'' of the possible release of Indian Doctor Mohammed Haneef, who was freed of charges in the failed Glasgow attack case today, his wife Firdous Ashriya said ''we want to visit Mecca after his arrival in two or three days.'' Talking to reporters in her residence here, she said ''I believe in Allah. I have received a happy news now. We want to go to Mecca to offer special thanks to the Almighty.'' Ms Firdous said she expected her husband to return within two to three days. ''My cousin, who went to Australia carrying our new born daughter's photo to show it to Haneef, was informed by the Australian advocate that my husband may be back here within two or three days.'' To a question, she said her brother and father offered special prayers in a mosque after receiving the news of the dropping of terrorism charges against him.

Thanking both Australian and Indian media and the public, she said ''without the media support both in India and Australia, my husband would not have been freed of charges''.

Ms Firdous also thanked the External Affairs Ministry for extending all cooperation to the family during its days of agony.

She also thanked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Union Government for their support.

She said ''all along, I have been saying that my husband is innocent and will be released. Now it is proved. I am excited and happy on hearing that the charges are dropped.'' To a question, she said the Australian police had not contacted her since July 2 after Haneef's arrest. ''All I want now is the homecoming of my husband on a regular visa. He should not be deported,'' she said.

Meanwhile, her sister Summaiah Tabhasum said ''We cannot express our happiness in words. We are eagerly waiting for his return.''

UNI