Defense Minister Rajnath Singh Slams Omar Abdullah’s Comments On Afzal Guru

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh criticized National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah for his recent comments regarding the execution of Afzal Guru, who was convicted for his role in the 2001 Parliament attack. Singh described Abdullah’s remarks as “unfortunate” during a rally in Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that if Guru should not have been executed, then what alternative action should have been taken—suggesting that public acknowledgment, such as garlanding him, was not appropriate.

Abdullah had stated that the execution of Afzal Guru “served no purpose” and asserted that the Jammu and Kashmir government would not have sanctioned his hanging if it had been required. He expressed his belief that the execution did not contribute to justice and highlighted his opposition to capital punishment, citing concerns about the reliability of judicial processes.

The political discourse surrounding this issue is heightened by the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, scheduled to occur in three phases starting September 18, with results to be announced on October 8. Singh also took the opportunity to address broader issues, criticizing Pakistan’s treatment of the people in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) and asserting India’s commitment to their rights and development.