Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Shocking

This refers to the report "FIRs expose Army's hand in civilian killings" (Feb. 3). It is obvious that there is no let-up in human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. The manner in which the army and the police allegedly colluded in the murder of innocent civilians for rewards and promotions is one of the most shameful examples of murder for gain.

This cruelty and abuse of power stems from the attitude of the superiors who turn a blind eye to, or worse condone, such behaviour. What the institution of the army risks squandering is not its power but an essential part of its glory built up by legendary generals. The misconduct warrants a deterrent punishment to curb the culture of murdering civilians for personal gain.

Capt. T. Raju (retd.),
Secunderabad

* * *

In the name of curbing insurgency, the security forces have colluded to take innocent lives for promotion and material rewards. What a shame! Unfortunately, this is not the first time innocent lives have been lost in this manner. The army's role in the disappearance of thousands of people since the beginning of militancy is being questioned. The killings are particularly disturbing because they have come at a time when moderate forces are gaining momentum in the Valley. Such incidents will come in handy for those opposed to a peaceful and permanent solution of the Kashmir dispute.

Javaid Iqbal Bhat,
New Delhi

* * *

The army should give up its hypocrisy and understand that there is a serious problem of indiscipline across the board. It is the inflated weightage given to decorations by the hierarchy keeping in view both the enhanced monetary gains and career prospects that are leading to these shameless acts. The Ministry of Defence needs to review the entire gamut of decorations (gallantry/non-gallantry) and do away with the same during peacetime.

Maj. Gen. Jatinder Singh (retd.),
Chandigarh

* * *

It is shocking to hear that some army units participated in a series of cold-blooded murders, allegedly in collusion with the police, to become eligible for rewards and promotions. The army personnel involved have sold their souls for a pittance. The morally corrupt, cowardly personnel should be given the maximum punishment. Rewards and promotions are only for the brave, noble, and deserving. At the same time, there should not be a trial by the media. Armymen must be tried only by the army.

Col. C.V. Venugopalan (retd.),
Palakkad

* * *

At a time when there is tremendous international pressure on solving the Kashmir conflict, such atrocities against innocent civilians will only make the condition more hostile in the Valley. The army is expected to create a favourable environment for peace, not worsen the situation.

Qamar Ahmad,
Aligarh

* * *

Such rights violations will dent India's image as a secular and democratic state. No amount of protestation of zero tolerance to violence will make any difference. Should such outrages continue, they will complete the alienation of the long-suffering Kashmiris from India and deplete New Delhi's moral strength to talk peace. The poignant images of the inconsolable family members of the victims should stir the nation's conscience to end the excesses in the Valley.

G. David Milton,
Maruthancode, T.N.

* * *

The civilian killings by the army are an affront to society. The consequence of these brutal killings and the abusive treatment meted out to Kashmiris will only make hardened criminals out of the young among them. The army continues to conduct cordon-and-search operations in Muslim neighbourhoods and villages, detaining young men, assaulting their family members, and summarily executing suspected militants. This has been a central part of the army's strategy in dealing with the Kashmir insurgency.

It is unfortunate that there has been no effort on the part of the army to curb such killings. Indeed, the security forces have the sanction of senior officers who justify such acts by maintaining that there is no other way to deal with serious terrorist threats.

T. Marx,
Karaikal

* * *

The news that the personnel of Rashtriya Rifles and rogue police officers conspired to murder innocent civilians for rewards and promotions is shocking and reprehensible.

This proves that absolute power corrupts absolutely. The offence committed by the security forces is heinous. The offenders deserve no sympathy. They should be given the maximum punishment under the law.

Challa Mahalakshmi,
Visakhapatnam

* * *

The Ganderbal killings are another example of the autocratic manner in which the army functions. Such dastardly acts can prove to be one of the last nails in the coffin of peace in Kashmir. They will breed more terrorism and violence. All peace initiatives will be rendered futile unless the perpetrators of such extra-judicial killings are dealt with severely.

Richa Srishti,
New Delhi

* * *

Both the police and the army are uniformed services known for their discipline and integrity. All the information must be fully confirmed before pointing a finger at them. We cannot afford to get the country's image and that of our uniformed services tarnished.

Cdr. N. Subba Rao (retd.),
Bangalore

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