Dobgah (Sopore) Jan 2: Showkat Hussain Guru, released after serving 9-year term for his involvement in the 2001 Parliament attack, was accorded heroes welcome on Sunday at his native village here in north Kashmir.   
 Hundreds of people both men and women had arrived at Showkat’s residence to receive him. Showkat, now 42, was moved by the love and affection shown by the people who had come to greet him.
 “It was my firm belief that I won’t die without seeing my beloved son. My dream has come true finally and 10-year wait is over,” said Ayesha Begum, mother of Showkat Guru.
 Sitting close to Showkat was his 9-year old son, Arsalan, who was born in Tihar Jail. He after spending 7 months in the jail was released after his family filed a petition to take his possession. His mother Afshan Guru and a Delhi University lecturer, SAR Geelani were also arrested for their alleged involvement in the Parliament attack in 2001, the charges were dropped for want of proof and both were acquitted. They were released on October 30, 2003.
 Pertinently, Showkat and his cousin Afzal Guru, facing corporal punishment, were arrested from Parmipora in Srinagar on December 15, 2001.
 For Arsalan, the arrival of his father is a dream come true. Studying in the Welkin School at Sopore, Arsalan seemed overjoyed not only for the arrival of his father but for the joy of his grandfather and grandmother.
 “I have seen my grand parents weeping for hours for my father, and now the smile on their faces gives me a complete satisfaction,” said Arsalan while holding the hand of his father.
 The family is now eager to see Showkat’s wife Afshan back. “We are in regular touch with Afshan and hope she will be back soon,” said Muhammad Yaseen, Showkat’s brother.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 2 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 2 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 3 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST