Maharashtra leaders hail Kasab's hanging

Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra legislative assembly Eknath Khadse has welcomed the hanging of 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab saying that justice has been done.

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Manikrao Thakre expressed satisfaction at Kasab's execution. "This is a true homage to the victims and martyrs of 26/11," he added.

Thakre said the execution proves that the country's political system and law and judiciary system can give a fitting response to terror elements.

Shiv Sena spokesman Sanjay Raut said Balasaheb Thackeray, who passed away last Saturday, would have been a happy man today.

Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Vinod Tawde visited late Tukaram Ombale memorial to pay his respects to the constable who caught Kasab alive.

Even Home Minister R R Patil offered floral tributes t the memorial of Ombale to pay his respects.

Meanwhile, jubilations broke out in adjoining Thane district as the news of Kasab's hanging spread.

Thousands of students from tribal Wada taluka in the district assembled at an education complex here to celebrate Kasab's hanging.

Similar scenes were witnessed in Nashik city in north Maharashtra with the social and political organisation bursting crackers.

Maharashtra, state BJP president Sudhir Mungantiwar said India had presented a unique example before the world by punishing Kasab, adhering to judicial process.

"Afzal Guru should also be sent to the gallows. India will prove its determination to fight terrorism only after the death sentence to Guru is executed," he said.

Congress MLA from Colaba Annie Shekhar distributed sweets and party workers burst crackers to celebrate the hanging of Ajmal Kasab.

Meanwhile, Home MInister R R Patil briefed the cabinet about the judicial process and the hanging of Kasab in Pune.