Date:23/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/23/stories/2008052359861200.htm

National

Ask Patil for clarification: Moily

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Congress Media Committee chairman M. Veerappa Moily on Thursday refused to be drawn into the controversy over the reported statement of Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil drawing a parallel between the Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and Indian prisoner in Pakistan Sarabjit Singh.

“He is the Home Minister of the United Progressive Alliance government. He has given some statement. He must have given some clarification too. I cannot interpret or misinterpret his statement. You must ask him for clarification,” Mr. Moily told media persons.

Attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party, Mr. Moily said it was not an issue that could be taken up for [gaining] political mileage. “Afzal Guru is the 19th person in the line [on death row]. He has sought clemency. Can you hang him just to oblige the BJP? Sarabjit was convicted 17 years ago under an undemocratic government. Certain procedure has to be applied.”