Lagatar24 Desk
Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent remarks that the execution of Afzal Guru, convicted in the 2001 Parliament attack, “served no purpose,” have provoked a strong reaction from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Afzal Guru was hanged in 2013 for his involvement in the attack, and Abdullah’s statement questioning the effectiveness of the execution has reignited a political debate.
BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Kavinder Gupta, condemned Abdullah’s statement, accusing him of supporting anti-national elements. “What does Omar Abdullah want to solve? If those who conspire against the nation are given the death penalty, why is there an objection? He and others are trying to create a situation by taking support from terrorists. That’s why he is speaking this language,” Gupta said.
Omar Abdullah, in his remarks, clarified that the Jammu and Kashmir government had no role in Afzal Guru’s execution. He emphasized that if the state’s approval had been necessary, his government would not have granted it.
“The unfortunate reality is that the Jammu and Kashmir government had nothing to do with Afzal Guru’s execution. If permission from the state had been required, I can say with certainty that it would not have been given. We wouldn’t have allowed it. I don’t believe any purpose was served by executing him,” Abdullah said on Friday.
These remarks come as Jammu and Kashmir prepares for its first assembly elections since the abrogation of Article 370, scheduled in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. The elections will see voters in 90 constituencies, with 7 seats reserved for SCs and 9 for STs.
With 88.06 lakh eligible voters, as per the Election Commission of India, these assembly elections hold significant political importance, being the first since Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was revoked.
Abdullah’s comments have added a layer of controversy to the pre-election discourse, with the BJP viewing his stance as undermining national security efforts. As the elections approach, both parties are expected to intensify their rhetoric.
