Wife refuses to believe Afzal seeking end

Seeks justice for parliament attack convict on death row

SRINAGAR: Even as Afzal Guru, sentenced to death in the parliament attack case, sought an early end to his ordeal on Sunday, his family in Baramulla, north Kashmir, believes he has been “framed” and hopes for justice.

Afzal’s wife Tabasum received his reported statement from the capital’s Tihar Jail with disbelief, saying, “We do not know what he actually said because we have not met him for the last 10 months. We, however, hope president Pratibha Patil does justice to him because he is innocent.”

Tabasum, who is a nurse, claims some parties are exploiting the issue for political gain. “Every day we read in the papers about political parties demanding Afzal’s execution, but we have strong conviction he is innocent and has been framed,” she says.

Living with her parents in a modest house, Tabasum reveals they could not defend Afzal as no good lawyer was ready to defend him.  “Those who were interested in representing Afzal faced flak from people. In such circumstances, what can you expect?” she says.

“The last time we met him in jail was on August 12, 2007. He is always concerned about our safety and fears we may be harassed,” Tabasum says, adding, “We want him to be shifted to Srinagar Jail so that we can meet him.”

Tabasum says their 10-year old son Ghalib realises the situation at home. “He is in class III but tries to console us saying Abuji will be back again with us. I hope his prayers are answered.”

h_ishfaq@dnaindia.net