Yaqoob Memon He was hanged for being a Muslim

Srinagar, July 30: (GNS) Hours after Mumbai serial blasts convict Yaqoob Memon was hanged in Nagpur jail, multiple protests against Indian government erupted in valley parts including in summer capital on Thursday with protesters accusing that he was punished for being a Muslim.

According to GNS correspondent, the Independent Lawmaker and AIP chief, Er Abdul Rashid and his party men, appeared in Lal Chowk this morning. The MLA and his supporters raised slogans against BJP government and in favour of Yaqoob Memon as well as Afzal Guru.

The protesters assembled near ‘Ghanta Ghar’ along and condemned the hanging of Memon. The protesters were holding a large banner with pictures of Guru and Memon on it.

Talking to reporters, the MLA Langate said that he and his party is against capital punishment as it is not only inhuman but has failed to serve the desired purpose. “Those supporting capital punishment need to answer that has hanging of people anywhere helped in making lives of common citizens safer. Even if their logic and argument is believed to be true, then they need to explain that why only Muslims are being hanged in India and why don’t wheels of justice move when it comes to hanging of those convicted for crimes of same nature but being spared for being non-Muslims,” he said.

The Lawmaker said that it is not only that killers of Rajiv Ghandi and Beyant Singh are not being hanged but many those wearing uniform and who carried out broad day killings in Kashmir are roaming free and have been awarded with promotions and rewards. “It would be better for Indian State to introspect and listen to the grievances of deprived and oppressed people of the country so that extremist elements don’t get a reason to take harsh steps,” he said.

He said that the minorities especially Muslims in India can’t be denied justice by labeling them as radicals and Pakistani agents. He appreciated all those voices in India who put their weight to seek clemency for Yakub Memon and reminded PDP and NC of their “dirty role” which they played during Afzal Guru’s hanging and shamelessly failed to get even dead body of Afzal Guru back to his native place.

“Writing on the wall clearly predicts that there are much darker days ahead for Indian Muslims and other minorities as Modi government will try to terrorize minorities through different ways and means,” he claimed.

As the protest was underway, the police cops started to detain the protesters and as many as 22 AIP activists including MLA Rashid were held.

Lawyers in Sadder Court of Srinagar staged a protest against the execution of Memon. Similarly, the lawyers at District Court Complex Pulwama also carried out a protest rally against the hanging of Yaqoob Memon. The protesters alleged that the Memon was hanged because of him being a Muslim. They slammed the government at Centre and expressed solidarity with Memon family.

Protests also broke out in neighbouring Kulgam district against the hanging of Yaqoob Memon. The protesters chanted anti-India slogans and condemned Memon’s execution.

Meanwhile, people in Doda district of Chenab Valley of the state held funeral-in-absentia for the Memon. Witnesses told GNS that the funeral was held at Eidgah in Doda Town. (GNS)