The All India Anti-Terrorist Front Chaiman M S Bitta has demanded that Parliament attack case convict Afzal Guru be hanged immediately.
The politics over the death sentence of Afzal was unfortunate and all parties should unite to deal firmly with terrorism,'' he said.

Talking to mediapersons here last night, Mr Bitta, former All India Youth Congress chief said when the judiciary has found Afzal's involvement in the attack then why is there so much delay in executing the orders.

He said the Central Government should show its seriousness by hanging him, without any delay and religion should not come between justice.
He also suggested that after Supreme Court pronounces its verdict, the files regarding mercy petitions should not go to politicians, who "keep sitting" on them for years.

"Justice delayed is justice denied. The justice has been done after 18 long years. Had the case not gone to Supreme Court, Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar would have gone scot-free," he told reporters here.

Claiming that there was "big confusion", he said even after Supreme Court announces its verdict convicting terrorists, the file keeps rotating from one ministry to another and thus cause delay on mercy petitions due to political pressure.

"Why do we need Supreme Court if its verdict is not respected or adhered to by the government and politicians of this country? It is unfortunate that political considerations take priority over such sensitive issues.

"They think if any action is taken against Afzal Guru, they will lose Muslim vote. If Bhullar is brought to justice, they will lose Sikh vote. If Dara Singh, convicted for burning alive Australian missionary Graham Staines, is brought to justice they will lose Hindu vote," he said.

Afzal Guru was awarded the death sentence by a Delhi court on December 18, 2002, after being convicted of conspiracy to attack Parliament on December 13, 2001, waging war against the country and murder. Nine security personnel, including five policemen, were killed when suspected Pakistan-backed terrorists attacked Parliament on December 13, 2001.