Kashmiri groups urge Pakistan link 'spy' release to Kashmiri's clemency
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, Aug 28, IRNA
Pakistan-India
Pakistan-based Kashmiri groups on Sunday demanded of Pakistan government to seek clemency for a Kashmiri who has been sentenced to death in India on the charges of attack on Indian parliament in 2001.
"Pakistan should first seek clemency for Kashmiri youth Muhammad Afzal Guru before India seeks release of Sarabjit Singh, whose death penalty has been upheld by the Pakistani Supreme Court for his involvement in bomb blasts in Pakistan," chief of the United Jehad Council (UJC) Syed Salahuddin said.
Muhammad Afzal Guru's death sentence was upheld by the Indian Supreme Court earlier this month for his alleged involvement in the December 2001 attack on the Indian parliament.
"The Indian Supreme Court did not have evidence to uphold Guru's death sentence and its verdict was based only on doubts," Salahuddin said in a statement, released in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
India is seeking the release of its national Sarabjit Singh, whose death sentence was upheld by Pakistan Supreme Court on August 18 for "espionage and carrying out bomb blasts" in the Pakistani cities of Lahore, Faisalabad and Kasur.
Pakistan says that Sarabjit Singh had confessed his crimes and that the courts verdict was based on evidence.
"President Musharraf should first seek clemency for Muhammad Afzal Guru before he accepts Indian request for Sarabjit's release," the UJC chief said.
"It is the responsibility of the Pakistani government to respect the sentiments of Kashmiris and try to convince India to accept demand for Guru's release," Salahuddin said.
Kashmiri groups and professional associations in
Indian-controlled Kashmir have protested against Guru's conviction and have observed protest shutdown.
2020/235/1430/1412
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