On ‘encounters’

The article on human rights, by Kalpana Kannabiran (“ >Something is rotten in the States of… ”, April 13) seemed to be one-sided. Where are the so-called human rights activists when security personnel were cornered in a Maoist attack? The Nalgonda and Seshachalam cases are being judged on the basis of a media trial by rights activists. No one knows what exactly happened on the ground. Until the inquiries are complete, they should restrain themselves from passing judgements.

Swayambhu Mishra,

Pokhariput, Odisha

I found the article to be biased and deviating from the core issue. It presents the police to be trigger-happy in general and completely ignores their plight. It should also take into account that every act of mass violence is a reflection of inequality, poverty, illiteracy, mistrust and anger embedded in our society. What we need is not the alienation of the police from the masses but for there to be open communication and cooperation.

Manas Ranjan Behera,

Kharagpur