It won't be appropriate to revisit the issue: Cong on Afzal

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Mar 03 2015 | 8:42 PM IST
Congress today refused to be drawn into the issue of return of mortal remains of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, a demand iterated by party MP Mani Shankar Aiyar and Jammu and Kashmir's ruling PDP.
"The hanging of Afzal Guru was culmination of a legal process. It has been carried out after taking into account all concerns and point of view. It will not be appropriate to revisit the issue," Congress spokesman Ajoy Kumar said at the AICC briefing here.
Besides, he said, Guru was convicted by the highest court and his execution was the culmination of the judicial process.
Kumar was asked about Congress MP Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks that the mortal remains of Guru be returned "to put this entire matter at rest".
"I have long held a view that there was no adequate evidence to convict Afzal Guru of direct involvement in the assassination of human beings. The Supreme Court does not share my view. I have said it earlier and I am saying it now. It is not my party's view...," Aiyar had said.
Jammu and Kashmir's ruling PDP had yesterday demanded that the mortal remains of Guru be returned to his family, a day after assuming power in the state in alliance with BJP.
Eight PDP MLAs had issued a statement, saying the party "promises to follow vigorously" the issue of return of the mortal remains of Guru, who was hanged on February 9, 2013 inside Tihar Jail.
"PDP stands by its demand for return of his (Guru's) mortal remains, and the party promises to follow vigorously for the return of the mortal remains," the PDP statement said.
"PDP has always maintained that Guru's hanging was travesty of justice and constitutional requirements and processes were not followed in hanging him out of turn," it added.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 03 2015 | 8:42 PM IST

Next Story