26/11 hero's father hails Kasab's death sentence

Bangalore, May 7 (ANI): K. Unnikrishnan, the father of late Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan who was martyred during the 26/11 Mumbai attack, has termed the death sentence awarded to Pakistani gunman Ajmal Amir Kasab, as a symbolic punishment and wished the sentence is executed at the earliest.

Major Sandeep, an officer of Indian Army and deputed to the National Security Guards, the crack commando outfit, died fighting militants outside the Taj Hotel in Mumbai. "There is no question of satisfaction, but this is a symbolic punishment with a symbolic judgement. We can't bring any victim back, that's the tragic thing, and we definitely have to do much more, to at least to have...this is just the first step, second step should be to reduce the time," said Unnikrishnan.

In Kakra Dubwal, an obscure village in Allahabad district, the family members and friends of Phool Chand, a taxi driver who was shot dead by the Mumbai attackers also welcomed the judgement.

However, Sanju Devi, the widow of Phool Chand said that she would be satisfied only when Kasab is hung.

"I will be satisfied only when I see that he (Kasab) is hanged," she added.udge M L Tahiliyani awarded a death sentence to Kasab for waging war against India, murder, conspiracy to murder, and participating in an act of terror under Unlawful Activity Prevention Act (UAPA).

Judge Tahaliyani felt that Kasab's crime fell under the judicial definition of "rarest of rare" cases.

Judge Tahiliyani also awarded a life term to Kasab on five other counts. udge Tahiliyani also felt that having Kasab alive could pose perpetual danger to the nation.

He also added that Kasab was a menace to society.

Immediately after pronouncement of the death sentence, Judge Tahaliyani sent his order for confirmation to the Bombay High Court.

The death penalty will not be implemented immediately as it has to be confirmed by the High Court.

Kasab has the option of appealing to higher courts, and can also file a mercy petition for the consideration of the President of India.

Earlier, Kasab was pronounced guilty on Monday and the prosecution and defence ended their arguments on the quantum of sentence to be handed out on Tuesday. (ANI)