Want to avenge Ajmal Kasab and Afzal Guru's hanging: Terrorist to Pathankot survivor

PATHANKOT: The 41-year-old jeweller who was abducted by a group of jihadis on Friday in the carjacked vehicle of the Gurdaspur SP before they attacked the Pathankot air base said the terrorists made it plain their objective was to avenge the hanging of Afzal Guru and Ajmal Kasab.

Guru was executed in 2013 for his role in the 2001 attack on Parliament masterminded by Jaish-e-Mohammad. Ajmal Kasab, caught alive during the 2611 Mumbai carnage, was hanged in 2012.

"They kept mentioning Guru's and Kasab's names while punching me in anger. They raised anti-India slogans and repeatedly said they would launch big strikes in India to avenge their death," said Rajesh Kumar Verma, who is undergoing treatment at a Pathankot hospital.Verma, whose neck was slit by the jihadis, said he made no effort to communicate with them and feigned unconsciousness.

Will give befitting reply, says Rajnath

Home minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday did not rule out the role of Jaish-e-Mohammed in the Pathankot attack. He said, "Pakistan is our neighbour. We want good relations with not just Pakistan but all neighbours. But if there is any terror attack on India, we will give a befitting reply," he said.