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Advani criticises delay in Afzal's execution

Mumbai: The Leader of the Opposition, L.K. Advani, on Sunday criticised the delay in carrying out the death sentence on Mohammad Afzal Guru for the Parliament terror attack.

"I fail to understand the delay. They have increased my security. But what needs to be done immediately is to carry out the court's orders [on Afzal's death sentence]," the senior BJP leader told reporters.

Mr. Advani was speaking after the valedictory function of a workshop for Ministers from BJP-ruled States at Keshav Shrushti, Bhayander, in neighbouring Thane district. Expressing dissatisfaction over so many NGOs being involved in efforts to put off the hanging, Mr. Advani said: "When Indira Gandhi was assassinated, there were not as many NGOs pleading for mercy to her killers." "It is a different matter to discus the merits and demerits of capital punishment but when the apex court has given a ruling, it has to be respected," Mr. Advani said.

The former Deputy Prime Minister recalled that the killers of Army chief Gen. Arunkumar Vaidya were executed as per the court order immediately after the ruling. — PTI

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