Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Criminals in uniform

This refers to the editorial "Criminals in combat fatigues" (Feb. 5). The killing of five civilians in a series of fake encounters by a rogue police and army ring in Ganderbal is a blot on the army. One shudders to think that the army and the police can orchestrate such cold-blooded encounters. This shameful incident shows the extent of indiscipline in the armed forces. The government and the authorities must look into it seriously.

Barun Kumar Mahapatro,
Berhampur

* * *

The outrage exposes the crimes committed by the security forces against Kashmiris, though what has surfaced in Ganderbal seems to be just the tip of the iceberg. One is inclined to believe that similar atrocities have gone unreported in the past. In this grim scenario, President Pervez Musharraf's proposal of demilitarisation, self-governance, and joint management in Kashmir sounds credible. It is time New Delhi considered it seriously. As long as the Kashmir issue is not addressed, peace will remain a distant dream.

Mohammed Siraj,
Coimbatore

* * *

The killings are a blot not only on the image of the country but also on humanity. They bear testimony to the violation of human rights in Kashmir by our own security forces. They also expose their greed for promotions and rewards. The Government should compensate the victims' families suitably and take stringent action against those who actively participated in the crimes.

Saad Ullah Khan,
Aligarh

* * *

The killing of innocent people will add fuel to the volatile Kashmir situation. The perpetrators of the crime are an embarrassment to the Government that claims it has zero tolerance for human rights violation. The army can regain its credibility only if it deals with the erring personnel seriously.

K. Ramachandran,
Madurai

* * *

The killings will breed more terrorism and violence in the State. They provide an insight into how the security forces make criminals of ordinary people. Unfortunately, both India and Pakistan want Kashmir, not Kashmiris.

S. Rahi Engineer,
Yanam

* * *

The undeterred action and dedicated investigation by police officer Uttam Chand deserve praise. I salute him for taking prompt action on the man missing complaint from Abdul Rahman Paddar's relatives.

R. Murali Kumar,
Tiruchi

* * *

The killings have confirmed what rights activists have been saying for years — that the law-enforcing authorities commit atrocities on innocent civilians and perpetrate fake encounters in Jammu and Kashmir, besides other States. Some argue that taking action against the erring officials will demoralise the security forces. But criminals in uniform bring ignominy to the entire establishment. They sow the seeds of terrorism.

K. Abdul Nassar,
Aluva

* * *

The Ganderbal killings are not isolated incidents. Rights violations by the army and the police have been taking place for a long time. Promises of judicial inquiry and punishment of the guilty are not enough to end such rights abuse. The complacence that has crept into the system should be rooted out.

K.S. Thampi,
Chennai

* * *

The right to life and personal liberty of citizens is grossly violated in insurgency-infested regions. The NHRC has only limited powers and is therefore not a very effective body. No commission or constitutional provision can dignify human rights. An attitudinal shift should take place among the common citizenry. It is saddening to read about the army and the police grossly violating the rights they are supposed to protect, and taking the lives of innocent people for rewards.

Debasis Mohapatra,
New Delhi

* * *

Incidents such as the Ganderbal killings show how democracy functions in our country. A tough and transparent inquiry should be held to punish the perpetrators and bring them to justice. This is also the right time to expedite the much-delayed police reforms.

B. Jawahar,
New Delhi

* * *

The fake encounters have inflicted utter humiliation and disgrace on the entire armed forces of the nation. It is unfortunate that the institutions that are supposed to act as watchdogs have turned into hunting hounds. The role of the police is not to punish but to protect.

M. Sreehari,
Haripad

* * *

The rogue police officers and armymen who allegedly committed the murders for gain did not realise that the punishment for their acts will have to be borne by the country. Our enemies will leave no stone unturned to exploit the killings and mobilise opinion against India in the world community.

Tanvir Ahmad,
Aligarh

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