By TCN Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: Several Muslim leaders welcomed the Mumbai High Court verdict upholding capital punishment on the perpetrator of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks Ajmal Kasab on Monday. However they remained critical over the stand of Congress government for appealing in apex court against the acquittal of two other accused– Fahim Ansari and Sabauddin.
Noted lawyer and Member, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Zafaryab Jilani welcomed the verdict against Kasab terming it as based on evidences. “He has committed a crime against the country which is not pardonable. The court’s decision is based on evidences and we welcome the verdict,” said Jilani.
Naib Imam, Aishbagh Eidgah, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli also welcomed the court’s decision. “There is no space for terrorism in Islam. The court’s decision is welcomed as it is concerned with our country. No terror activity in our country can be tolerated and harshest punishments should be given to the perpetrators of the crime,” said Farangi Mahli.
He, however, demanded that hundreds of innocent Muslim youths who are languishing in prison should not be equated on similar lines. “We are aware that several innocent youths have been picked up by the police so they should be released immediately,” he said.
The Azamgarh based Rashtriya Ulema Council (RUC) too welcomed Kasab’s capital punishment but was highly critical of the Maharashtra’s Congress government. “Congress is withdrawing the cases against Quattrochi but is considering appeal against the acquittal of Fahim Ansari and Sabauddin who have been acquitted in Mumbai terror attacks. It reflects their dual character,” said RUC chief Maulana Amir Rashadi.
He claimed that after the names of real culprits being exposed in the bomb blast cases of Malegaon and Samjhauta express, the Congress is not releasing the innocent Muslim youths. “If they are secular in true sense then these Muslim youths should be released and compensation be awarded for their sufferings,” he added.