Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

The death penalty

That terrorists will be emboldened in the days to come in the knowledge that they will not be hanged whatever they do is clear. The `Save Afzal' campaign in Kashmir seems to be growing in strength by the day, which is dangerous for the rest of the country. If clemency is indeed granted to Afzal and his death sentence commuted, it will provide the necessary impetus to militant outfits across the border to carry out their nefarious designs.

Sameer Koul,
Latur, Maharashtra

* * *

Those finding fault with the President for granting an audience to Afzal's family are being unfair. By seeking Presidential clemency for him, his wife has only exercised the right given to the citizens of the country. An eye for an eye is not the guiding principle of our culture.

R. Gunasekharan,
Chennai

* * *

The debate throws up some questions: Are court verdicts always foolproof? Is the President not free to give audience to a citizen? Should we not give some weightage to the argument of rights activists? Does not the President represent the nation? If yes, why challenge his clemency power?

Thangam Chelladurai,
Tirunelveli, T.N.

* * *

I am not in favour of capital punishment to root out evil from society. That is just not possible. But I haven't heard of anyone, human rights activists included, undertaking a fast unto death demanding the repeal of capital punishment. But I have seen many shouting in front of television cameras when a person is awarded the death penalty or executed.

Afzal is a threat to national security. His single act made millions of Muslims insecure. I am no exception. A decision based on emotions or vote bank politics will be disastrous in the long run.

Mohinuddin Tashildar,
Kolhapur, Maharashtra

* * *

It is ironical to hear the saffron brigade clamouring for Afzal's blood. It was the NDA Government that set free three hardcore terrorists. Worse, it detailed its Foreign Minister to accompany them to their destination. Not to mention that the parivar still glorifies Nathuram Godse, Gandhiji's assassin.

V.M. Mohanraj,
Kennewick, Washington

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