By IANS,
Srinagar : Jammu and Kashmir’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Friday decided to vote for the resolution seeking clemency for Dec 13, 2001, parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, which is likely to be tabled during the forthcoming assembly session here.
“Our legislature party met here today (Friday) and in line with our stand, we have decided to vote for the clemency resolution likely to come up for vote during the forthcoming session of the assembly,” party chief Mehbooba Mufti said.
“We have always opposed capital punishment. When the death sentence of Nalini convicted in Rajiv Gandhi murder can be commuted, why can’t that of Afzal Guru be commuted?”
“Rajiv Gandhi was a symbol of Indian democracy no less than the country’s parliament,” she added.
Mufti also criticized the Congress-National Conference coalition for alleged slow pace of developmental works.
“The priorities of the state government are misplaced. Funds are arbitrarily allotted to favour some people,” she said.
“The government has been talking about devolution of powers to the panchayats, but despite repeated announcements no actual devolution of powers has so far taken place to the panchayats in the state”, Mehbooba said.
The state legislature is meeting here for a short session beginning Sep 26.