Political parties welcome death sentence to Kasab

MUMBAI - Political leaders cutting across party lines Thursday welcomed the death penalty given to terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab for the 26/11 attack and said the Pakistani gunmen must be hanged as soon as possible.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan welcomed the verdict and said: “I am thankful to the court for taking such a fast decision and that too in a transparent way. Thanks to (Special Prosecutor) Ujjwal Nikam, (police officer) Rakesh Maria, Deven Bharti and the entire team of Mumbai Police.”

“Kasab must be hanged as soon as possible,” Chavan added.

Deputy Chief Minister Chagan Bhujbal said Kasab’s “heinous crime warranted stricter punishment than capital punishment”.

“But he has got what he deserved,” added Bhujbal.

“The way Indian law and judicial system conducted this case was simply outstanding. The decision will be welcomed by all Indians and is a warning to India’s enemies,” said Bhujbal.

State Home Minister R.R. Patil said the execution of Kasab’s death sentence should also been done through a fast track manner.

“We will try to seek the high court’s permission as soon as possible for the same,” Patil said.

Patil said this decision will change terrorists’ perception of India being a soft target.

“We will also file an appeal against the acquittal of Fahim Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed,” Patil added.

The two Indians, Ansari and Ahmed, were let off by the court for the lack of substantial evidence to prove that information passed on by the duo helped Kasab and his nine associates carry out the horrific November 2008 massacre.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut welcomed the verdict of the special court. “This was expected and we welcome the move,” he said.

Kasab’s lawyer K.P. Pawar though said he has not spoken to his client “as regards to filing an appeal in the high court as of now”.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vinod Tawde said the special court and Ujjwal Nikam have carried out their job stupendously and should be congratulated.

“Now it is up to the central and state government as to how fast they execute Kasab’s death sentence. A common man will hope this does not turn out to be like the case of Afzal Guru,” Tawde said.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s spokesperson Shirish Parker said the punishment was apt. “We are glad Kasab has been awarded with a death sentence.”

Congress spokesperson Hussain Dalvai said: “The party is glad that it happened in a fast track court. The verdict is a warning to those terrorists groups who plan to attack India.”