Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

On political murders

This refers to the article “Do political murders achieve their objectives?” (Jan. 28) It is not merely faith that motivates would-be suicide-bombers. In some cases, the urge to avenge the killings of near and dear, and the victims of what is termed ‘collateral damage’ in a conflict, is the driving force. Terror sponsors find in such aggrieved persons the right material for terrorists. True, publicity and other-worldly rewards are driving forces but the spirit of revenge is paramount, waiting to be exploited.

There are many instances in which suicide-bombers have blown themselves up to settle personal scores with enemies, perceived in the form of individuals, groups or even the state.

Jaiboy Joseph,

Chennai

In most cases, political murder has failed to achieve its objective. Suicide-bombers are brainwashed by their handlers and told that they will become martyrs for a cause. But acts of terrorism can have the opposite effect as in the case of Kashmir where, instead of helping Pakistan, they created sympathy for India, particularly after 9/11. The use of violence to achieve political goals is no longer desirable.

Bijay Kumar Singh,

Hyderabad

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