The article, “Charged with terror, damned by aliases” (Feb. 7), on Mohammad Aamir's ordeal was heart wrenching. The Hindu deserves to be lauded for giving the case due visibility. The young boy of 18, who did nothing other than visiting his sister in Pakistan, was not only deprived of his youthful years, denied a dignified life and freedom to work but was also made to languish in jail for 14 years. Effective police reforms are the urgent need of the hour. We cannot afford to lose more Shakeels and we need to save some Aamirs.
A. Qureshi,
Delhi
While Ajmal Kasab, one of the terrorists who perpetrated the Mumbai blasts, is enjoying so much care in custody, our own innocent youths, charged with terror, are languishing in jails across the country. It is time the government set up a separate system for the speedy trial of such cases. It should also evolve a rehabilitation plan for those acquitted of all charges after spending years in jail. Every innocent person has the right to a dignified life.
Shameem Arshad,
Noida
The article reinforces the need for police reforms. The life of a young man has been ruined because of police inefficiency. Aamir should be compensated suitably and the guilty brought to book.
S.K.Q. Iqebal,
Hyderabad
That we have such a slow criminal justice system, in which innocent people are turned into culprits, is a shame. Delivering justice to the right person at the right time has become more difficult with shoddy investigations, and lack of conclusive evidence and ethical values. Who will compensate Aamir's loss — the court, police or society?
Swarnim Prabhat,
New Delhi
Time and again, we come across stories of Muslim boys being picked up and tortured by police, and acquitted after spending years in jail. Some of them, like Aamir, lose their dear ones when they are in detention. One wonders how long innocent youths will continue to fall victim to state highhandedness. When will this victimisation of innocent Muslims, in the name of fighting terror, stop?
Rashid Ghani Khan,
Aligarh
The motto of our criminal justice system is let a thousand guilty persons escape but not a single innocent person should be punished. Aamir would never have thought that his trip to Pakistan would destroy his entire youth. Can the verdict “there is absolutely no incriminating evidence against the accused” bring back 14 years of his life?
G. Dhruva,
Jaipur
