‘Be alert against attacks on Indian installations abroad’

Kolkata, Feb 9 (IANS) Former army chief General (retd.) Shankar Roychowdhury Saturday said the authorities should remain “extremely alert” to prevent any retaliatory attack on Indian installations abroad in the wake of Afzal Guru’s hanging.

Saying that Afzal Guru’s execution was “good news”, he cautioned: “If there is a reaction, it may be from the pro-Pakistan elements beyond Indian shores. Indian installations like high commissions may be targeted.”

“Such reactions can come some days later. Or even some months. Our authorities have to remain extremely alert.”

Praising President Pranab Mukherjee for rejecting Afzal Guru’s mercy plea, the former army chief regretted that two former presidents did “not take any action” on the clemency petition.

“Two former heads of state had said they would keep it pending for their successors. They said they did not support the death penalty. But Pranab babu took action and rejected it. What he has done is good,” the former army chief said.

Nearly 12 years after masterminding a terror attack on Parliament House, in which 10 people were killed, Kashmiri militant Afzal Guru was hanged to death at 8 a.m. outside his cell in Delhi’s Tihar Jail Saturday.

IANS 2013-02-09 23:02:01