Srinagar, Feb 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has received the acknowledgement from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) about the representation sent to them for return of the body of Muhammad Afzal Guru. The representation was submitted by the Guru Family to the JK government which in turn forwarded it to Center.
A top official of State Home Department told Greater Kashmir on the basis of anonymity that MHA has acknowledged the letter. “They have received it. Once there is any decision, it would be communicated to us,” the official said.
Secretary Home Department, Suresh Kumar refused to comment over the development. “We have sent it. We have kept a track (of it), and no further comments on it,” he told Greater Kashmir.
Sources in MHA said the representation has been sent to higher officials in the Ministry. “I think some officials from J&K Government have also spoken to the Ministry,” he said, adding discussion on the issue is likely to take place in a day or two. “Naturally, J&K Government has to be taken into confidence while taking any decision on the issue,” he said.
The MHA official said that in the representation, Afzal Guru’s wife Tabasum and son Ghalib have written that it is their moral right to receive his body for last rites.
Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, Khawaja Ghulam Ahmad told Greater Kashmir that now onwards the matter is between State and Central Governments. “I have not received any communication in this respect. Once there is any outcome, I have to communicate that to the family,” DC said.
The family had moved an application before DC Baramulla, seeking the body of Muhammad Afzal Guru. He was hanged and buried in Tihar Jail Delhi on February 9, Saturday.
The family has said their only demand to Government of India was to return his body. The family has rejected the reports that they would visit Tihar Jail to offer Fateha at Afzal’s grave. The family has said that if the Government assured them return of the body, then they would accept the offer. They have added that otherwise they can offer Fateaha to him at home also. The family has also rejected the offer of airlift to New Delhi for visiting the grave.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 14 Feb 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 IST