Swap Sarabjit for Afzal

SRINAGAR: A militant sentenced to death for his role in an attack on India’s parliament should be swapped for an Indian sentenced to hang for espionage in Pakistan, Indian-held Kashmir’s main militant alliance said on Monday.

“The Government of Pakistan should seek clemency for Muhammad Afzal from India before pardoning terror convict Sarabjit Singh in response to frequent appeals by the Indian leaders and public,” said a statement by the United Jihad Council published in local newspapers on Monday.

The statement was issued after a meeting of the alliance chaired by its chief Syed Salahuddin, who also heads the region’s most powerful militant group Hizbul Mujahidin. Muhammad Afzal is awaiting a judicial review of the death sentence, failing which his last chance would be to appeal to Indian President Abdul Kalam for clemency.

“Afzal is innocent and had nothing to do with the alleged attack (on the parliament),” the militant statement said.

“When Indians can seek clemency for a person who had himself confessed conducting multiple bomb blasts, why can’t the Government of Pakistan seek mercy for innocent Afzal?” afp

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