Afzal's family leaves for Delhi to meet him

The family of Mohammad Afzal Guru left for New Delhi on Monday afternoon to meet him in Tihar Jail, where his hanging is fixed for October 20.

Afzal has been convicted for his role in the December 13, 2001 terror attack on Parliament, in which 14 persons were killed.

Afzal's mother Aisha, wife Tabassum, his 7-year old son Ghalib Afzal, his father-in-law and brother left for New Delhi for what may possibly be their last meeting with him.

"We will appeal to the President for clemency and hope that our appeal would be heard," Ghulam Mohammad Bohru, Afzal's father-in-law told newsmen at the airport.

Meanwhile protests continued for the fifth day in Srinagar against the death sentence given to Afzal. Activists of the women's separatist group, Dukhtarani Milat marched through Civil Lines on Monday afternoon. 'We are with you Afzal', read the banners and placards carried by scores of burqa-clad activists led by chief Asiya Andrabi.

Even as prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code are in force in Srinagar, deeming assembly of five or more persons as unlawful, the police waited patiently for the protests to end peacefully.