The BJP today said that by implementing the decision of the judiciary with respect to the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict Yakub Memon, the Narendra Modi-led NDA government has proved its commitment towards a policy of 'zero tolerance' against terrorism.
Tarun Chugh, the national secretary of the party, said in a statement here that the judiciary and the government offered every opportunity possible for an accused to defend himself as per law of the country and Memon was hanged only after he had exhausted all the legal options available.
He said the decision of the court and its proper implementation by the government have assuaged the feelings of the kin of 257 people who were killed in the serial blasts that rocked Mumbai in 1993.
Chugh said that it was something exemplary and historic that the Apex court of a country conducted a hearing in the midnight so that even last ditch attempts to save a convict could be heard within the constitutional framework.
The hanging of Yakub Memon has conveyed a strong message to the forces working against India that the government won't take such things lying down and any such incident would not only be dealt with a heavy hand but also taken to its legal conclusion, he said.
Commenting on some sections of the people and media for opposing capital punishment to Yakub Memon, the BJP leader said that India is a democratic country and everybody is free to air his or her views but people talking of rights should also remember their duty towards the nation.
He said that it was unfortunate that some leaders, just to remain in limelight, take refuge under pseudo-secularism and try to damage the secular and national fabric of the country.
Responsible people in the judiciary, legislature, administration and media have put in their best efforts to maintain and strengthen the unity and integrity of the country, he added.
Chugh urged the judiciary to take suitable action against people who advocated the cause of terrorists.
"It is highly unfortunate that some pseudo-secularists went all out to extend support to Yakub Memon as if he was not a terrorist but a hero," he said.
Chugh hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh who honoured the verdict of the Apex Court and got it implemented "despite opposition and politicisation of the issue by certain forces."
Memon, the lone 1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict whose death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court, was hanged to death today.
