NEW DELHI: Afzal Guru’s hanging surprised Indians across the world and became one of the most talked about events on social media sites like Twitter. The country’s social media-conscious masses, including the political class, took to Twitter to express a wide range of emotions- relief, happiness, anger, sarcasm, bitterness- over the execution.
The political brigade on Twitter was led by Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi and Janta Dal president Subramanian Swamy, who tweeted:
@narendramodi: Der aaye, durust aaye! #Afzal Guru
@Swamy39: I informed MMS that I will move the Supreme Court a Criminal Contempt Case against him if Afzal Guru is not hanged by Feb 15
Throughout the day, Afzal Guru, Kasab, Tihar Jail (where Guru was hanged), J&K, Kashmir, Omar Abdullah and Parliament remained among the top trends on Twitter India. While some people expressed frustration over the delay in Guru’s execution, others applauded the government for taking the decisive step.
@dattadeepanjan: At least some great news: Afzal Guru Hanged….he should have been hanged 10 years ago.
@Ruchir78: Had #AfzalGuru been hanged in 2006, likes of #Kasab would have hesitated to attack India on #26/11..
@imrazamalik: @abdullah_omar Curfew imposed in #Kashmir Internet Blocked,Cable shuts . Army Deployed. It dis u cal to maintain law n odr #AfzalGuru
@Robinhood_Mhere: Morning Good News… Afzal Guru hanged in jail, parliament attack main conspirator. Applause !! Applause !!
Some of the Twitter members fought a battle of wits and competed in sarcasm, satire and humor.
@rameshsrivats: Afzal Guru hanged. His career – Started in Parliament, ended in Tihar Jail. Familiar path.
@babumoshoy: Dear Mr. President Pranab Mukherjee. Done with #AfzalGuru can you now please look into the other high-profile hanging case of IRCTC website?
@iSahilShah: They should tell us at least a day before so that we would be ready with our tweets. #Hanged #AfzalGuru
@justicearnab: #AlternatePunishmentsForAfzal Tell him to book Tatkal tickets from IRCTC. If he could book 2 tickets in first attempt, he would b freed.
The social and anti-corruption activist Kiran Bedi summed it up the best:
@thekiranbedi
Afzal Guru case needed a closure. It disturbs some and settles others! Always damned if u do, doomed if you don’t!Governance is tough!
