Muslims welcome Kasab’s execution

Mumbai, Nov 21 (IANS) Muslims here Wednesday welcomed the execution of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab stating that it has sent out a strong message against terrorism.

Kasab, the sole surviving gunman of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was hanged in a Pune jail at 7.30 a.m. Wednesday, after his mercy plea was rejected by President Pranab Mukherjee earlier this month.

Gulzar Azmir, secretary of the legal cell of Jamait−ul−e−Hind, which has provided legal aid to two other terrorists, Fahim Ansari and Sabauddin Shaikh, said such people have no place in Islam.

Both Ansari and Shaikh had been acquitted in the case.

“In Islam such people do not have a place. The only sentence is death for a person who engages in violence, as per Islam,” Azmi said.

“The government has taken a right step. People from across the border who engage in terrorism must not be tolerated. This will give a strong message in the international community and our stand of zero tolerance will be known,” he added.

Maulana Sayed Ather, secretary of All India Uelma Association, also welcomed the judgement. “Crores of rupees had been spent on Kasab. We are glad he has been executed. This is a true homage to the victims of the terror attack,” he said.

Samajwadi Party headed by Abu Azmi in Mumbai also welcomed the execution. He also said that crores of rupees had been spent on Kasab in these four years and the government should have taken this step long back.

The National Institute of Jihad Against Atrocities and Terrorism (NIJAAT) celebrated the occasion by distributing sweets and bursting firecrackers.

“We lit diya and hung kandils (lamps) like we do during Diwali or Eid. We have celebrated Kasab’s execution with members of our organisation and well−wishers and friends with enthusiasm,” said NIJAAT Convener Haji Hyder Azam.

IANS 2012-11-21 20:06:06