Before you go ahead reading this post, let me make it clear that I am against capital punishment.
It’s been a few days since Qasab got the death sentence. And Bombay was loud and clear with its joyfulness. The central and state governments are still patting each other’s backs with one hand, and their own with the other hand.
But is this too little done too late?
Well, many may say that justice did reach and many celebrated this verdict. I remember the newspapers flashing pictures of a tea vendor at VT station who celebrated by distributing free tea. Some people rejoiced that finally the person who killed their friends and relatives was brought to justice. But can this really be called justice?
Take some time to think.
Qasab was a 19 year old boy from a poor and possibly from a religious family.
Even though he knew the consequences, he acted… but was this by his own free will?
Moreover, by killing him, we are fulfilling his motive, the real reason that he came here for – killing people and dying! And then become a young martyr.
I wonder what will be done about the kingpins… the master minds. Their procurement is wedged amidst our efforts to maintain an international image of being diplomatic and polite.
Qasab is a mere pawn. It doesn’t make sense in rejoicing over the death sentence awarded to him. It is inappropriate to portray him as a sole villain in our movies. It is inapt to feel that we are winning a battle by merely killing the pawN.
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i so agree with every single statement of this article...we already know the reason for growing terrorism - acute poverty and illiteracy. This death sentence is yet another mockery of the social systems existing in both the countries where the governments are doing little to help people overcome their financial difficulties but is very quick in punishing those who become terrorists not by choice but only since they have nothing else to do in life.
ReplyDeletePoverty and illiteracy do not alone make up what terrorism is about. It is typical of us to say that when a poor person commits a crime it is owing to poverty and illiteracy, but when it is committed by rich people it is plain cruel or exploitative etc. Sure, poverty and illiteracy may help you secure a few more foot soldiers, but it is backed by selfish, calculating people, with a fanatical ideology. Check out this video about the economics of terrorism- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXl-mKZ7aSc I partly agree with this article- justice delayed is denied, but not entirely. While killing Kasab does not have the effect that it should in 'promoting justice', keeping him in prison, and feeding him Biryani doesn't help either. It may not deter the terrorists. Then again, little would deter terrorists. As a country we need to look at the loopholes that allow terrorism to prevail and nip such instances in the bud. Prevention is easier than cure.
DeleteI also disagree with Pari, that our country is 'quick' to pronounce judgement on such people. People don't just become terrorists because they have nothing else to do in life. Neither is condoning their behaviour acceptable. If anything going soft on criminals/terrorists is something for which India is criticized. Bad deeds should be seriously dealt with and shamed to set an example. I don't know if you realize this, but more than deterring terrorists, this judgement has done some good to the people of India- we are an increasingly cynical people who believe that if we are good honest people, we will not be allowed to live our life in peace, but someone like Kasab will. The people of India need some assurance of what is deemed good or bad.
i support capital punishment...unless they replace it with a 'life imprisonment'..which lasts for LIFE..n not JUST 14 years!
ReplyDeletewhy can't there be sentencing like in the US...say '96' years..obviously...not many criminals wud live that long!
and until this doesn't happen...capital punishment is fine...to set a DETERRING precedent..and to re1duce some weight from our fraught Mother Earth
I don't have issues with a death sentence, just by the way it is implemented. To be hanged by the neck, beheading, electric chair...these are sadistic and hatred based ways of killing people, and I doubt any THINKING mortal would disagree on the statement that vengeance is never a form of justice! And I agree with Radhika! This country needs a REAL life imprisonment!!!!
ReplyDeleteI just have a doubt - when we talk abt a REAL death sentence, we must also remember that such criminals are a liability as well as the responsibility of the state. The state has to ensure that they are fed well and are taken care off. And all this is done with the common man's money that comes from income taxes. This is definitely not justified. So i feel that the state needs to come up with a suitable strategy so that these criminals are involved in some legal money making process and this money should be used for their living. Just the way many criminals in Tihar were involved in basket making and candle making activities. This is not only an economical option but it also improves the confidence levels of the criminals as they are able to earn their living.
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