Javed Akhtar slams PDP for demanding Afzal Guru's mortal remains

New Delhi, Mar 3: Renowned lyricist and member of Rajya Sabha Javed Akhtar on Tuesday hit out at the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and said the party has no right to demand the mortal remains of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru adding that only the parents of the latter had the right to do so.

"What right does PDP has to demand Afzal Guru's mortal remains? It is a right of his family. If Afzal's family is demanding his mortal remains, they should be handed over; no issue should be made out of it," told Akhtar ANI.

A group of PDP legislators on Monday demanded the return of the mortal remains of Afzal Guru, the key conspirator of 2001 Parliament attack, to the Valley.

"PDP maintained that late Afzal Guru's hanging was travesty of justice and constitutional process was not followed", and this was repeated in the alleged PDP note.

The note has the endorsement of nine PDP leaders.

Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha was adjourned twice on Tuesday following protests by the opposition over controversial comments made by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

The house met at 11 am but was soon adjourned till 11.30 am and then till 11.45 am during the question hour as the opposition leaders protested against demand of PDP legislators. The opposition also demanded an answer from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sayeed's statement giving credit to militants and Pakistan for the smooth conduct of assembly elections in the state.

Afzal Guru was sentenced to death in the 2001 parliament attack case and was hanged on February 9, 2013.

Peoples Democratic Party has an alliance government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has dissociated his party and government from Sayeed's controversial statement and his party's demand.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from agencies)