Honour our rights, allow us to perform last rites: Afzal`s wife

New Delhi: The family of Afzal Guru, who was hanged in Tihar Jail Saturday, sought permission from the authorities to perform his last rites in accordance with religious traditions. Guru`s body was buried inside the jail premises, said officials.

In a letter to Jail Director General Vimla Mehra, drafted by Guru`s lawyer ND Pancholi, wife Tabassum said the last rites of her husband should be performed in a dignified manner. "We are writing you to please permit the family members to give Afzal Guru a proper dignified last rites in accordance with the religious traditions. "If you could inform us when the family members can perform their `Namaaz-e-Janaza`, we would appreciate it," said the letter, a copy of which is with IANS. "We do not wish to make it a political issue in an atmosphere which is already volatile but the family members, as citizens of India, have a right, which must be respected," the letter said. Guru, convicted for his role in the attack on India`s parliament in 2001, was hanged in the jail at 8 am after his mercy plea was rejected by President Pranab Mukherjee Feb 3. IANS