Doabgah (Sopore), Dec 30: Smiles are back on the face of every member of Guroo family after a long time as they are eagerly waiting for Showkat Guroo, who was awarded 10-year sentence by Supreme Court for his involvement in parliament attack in December, 2001, and was released on Wednesday evening one year before his term ended.
Ever since the news about Showkat Guroo’s release has reached his native village in north Kashmir, neighbors, relatives and friends have been visiting Guroos to felicitate them.
“He (Showkat) called home this afternoon and talked with his mother, sisters and son,” said a family member.
“Don’t worry I will be back after 4-days,” Ayesha quoted her son, Showkat as having told her over phone from New Delhi.
 “Almighty Allah should reunite all the youth including Afzal with their families,” said Ayesha.
Showkat and his cousin Afzal Guru, who is facing corporal punishment, were arrested from Parmipora in Srinagar on December 15, 2001 for their involvement in Parliament. Showkat was awarded 10-years imprisonment by Supreme Court.
Besides Showkat his wife, Afshan Guru, and a Delhi University lecturer, SAR Geelani, were also arrested for their alleged involvement in the attack, the charges against them were dropped for want of proof and both were acquitted. While Afshan was released on October 30, 2003, SAR Geelani was released a day before.
 “We couldn’t go to Delhi today due to cancellation of flights but we are planning to leave tomorrow to bring brother back,” said Yasin Guroo, brother of Showkat.
But young Arsalan would meet his father first time after his birth. From mother’s womb to six months of his infancy, Arsalan spent the time in Tihar jail.
 “These 10-years were not less than nightmare for us and we had to fight a long legal battle to prove his innocence after lower court had awarded him a death sentence,” Yasin added.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 30 Dec 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 IST