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Disturbing

It is most disturbing to read that Sarabjit Singh will face the gallows on April 1. Most civilised nations have done away with capital punishment. The release of Kashmir Singh a few days ago had aroused some hopes of the possible release of Sarabjit.

The Pakistani authorities, it appears, have been influenced by the custodial death of Khalid Mehmood in India. Taking away the life of an individual is not the answer to his mercy petition.

Capt. O.B. Nair,

Kochi

The Indian government should request the Pakistan government to grant reprieve to Sarabjit Singh — convicted of spying and carrying out bomb blasts in Lahore and Multan — who is to be executed on April 1.

It is unfortunate that President Pervez Musharraf has turned down his clemency petition. Sarabjit’s execution will be a setback to the peace process. Even if he is not allowed to return to India, Sarabjit should be freed from the death sentence.

K. Pradeep,

Chennai

With his family and the Punjab government claiming that it is a case of mistaken identity, Sarabjit Singh’s involvement in the bomb blasts has not been proved beyond doubt. Pakistani investigating agencies, prosecutors and witnesses referred to him throughout the legal process as Manjit Singh. Eyewitness accounts were also contradictory.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani should convince President Musharraf not to make haste in hanging Sarabjit.

M.C. Joshi,

Lucknow

It is sad to hear that despite the efforts made by his family members and others, Sarabjit’s mercy petition has been rejected. That too when his identity has not been proved beyond doubt. Kashmir Singh’s disclosure after his release that he was a spy and the mysterious death of Khalid Mehmood seem to have hastened the action against Sarabjit.

Kashmir Singh’s utterances certainly did not help the efforts to get Sarabjit released.

S. Ramesh Krishnan,

Kottayam

While it is saddening that Sarabjit has been issued a death warrant, New Delhi must pause before taking up the matter with Islamabad. Sarabjit has been sentenced for carrying out bombings that killed 14 persons. He was tried and sentenced by the courts in Pakistan.

What will be our stand? Release Sarabjit on compassionate grounds? That he is innocent? It will amount to disrespect of the Pakistan judiciary. Let emotions not decide our course of action.

N. Nagesh,

Chennai

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