Guru should have been executed much earlier: BJP

Questioning the delay in the execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, BJP today said it should have happened much earlier after the confirmation of the capital punishment by the Supreme Court in 2005.

"The capital punishment awarded to Afzal Guru today is a part of legal and judicial process which ought to have taken place much earlier. The attack on the Indian Parliament happened in 2001, that is 12 years ago, which was an attack on India.

"Why this sort of delay inspite of overpowering desire of the people of the country that those who are accused of such a heinous offence ought to be given the capital punishment as affirmed by the highest court of the land. This question would remain important and an answer would have to be found out," BJP Chief Spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters here.

He said the Supreme Court had confirmed capital punishment against Afzal Guru in August 2005 and his review petition rejected in January 2007, but the government delayed the action. He also sought adoption of zero tolerance towards terrorism in the country.

Party vice president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Guru was a conspirator in waging war against the nation and responsible for attack on the temple of democracy (Parliament) in India.

"It is a late decision but in national interest. There was a strong anger across the nation due to the delay (in execution). Despite the late action, people in the country have heaved a sigh of relief and this hanging has given a message to the terrorists and the anti-national forces working against the country," the BJP leader said.

His colleague Rajiv Pratap Rudy welcomed the execution saying it was a "much awaited and much wanted decision".

"This action is delayed. But undoubtedly it is a welcome action" so that the world could see that India is committed against terror and the fight against terror, he said.