M A I L B A G

Doda killings a crime against humanity

This has reference to the editorial “Doda massacre” (May 2). By killing 22 innocent people in Doda district, the communal, heartless and inhuman terrorist groups have tried to spread a fresh wave of terror in Jammu and Kashmir. They deserve severe condemnation by all those who believe in humanity and democracy.

At the same time, communal provocation will tantamount to playing into their hands. The Pakistan Government should, in deference to the popular will, act swiftly and destroy the network of the militants. Religious fundamentalism should be attacked ideologically in a scientific manner.

General Musharraf knows well a captive mind can never be creative, progressive and humanistic. He should take the initiative and seek the support of all the progressive forces of the world. Also, all those people who believe that Islam does not believe in the killing of the innocent should raise their voice against dastardly acts of violence and urge the people to boycott the heartless killers of the innocent.

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA, Kapurthala

II

As the images of the Doda killings appear, the barbarity of the crime sinks in deeper. Clearly, some men have ceased to be humans. The apologists of Kashmir killings often condone them as politically motivated. The slaying of innocent civilians cannot be justified on any ground whatsoever.

As a Muslim of Gujarat, I know the pain of the bereaved. We have experienced similar barbarism, albeit of trishuls and swords. The perpetrators are still roaming free. Let the culprits of Doda not go scot free. Ditto for those that were entrusted with security and protection.

M. HASAN JOWHER, Ahmedabad

III

The dastardly killing of Hindus in the troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir is reprehensible. After every act of terrorist violence, government spokesmen routinely maintain that this will in no way affect the so-called peace process with Pakistan.

India cannot afford to once again get its citizens killed in our own country. This is, clearly, the manifestation of a soft state. It is time the government got tough with the terrorists and their sponsors. Those who carried out the killings must be hunted down and made to pay for their horrific deed.

M. K. BAJAJ, Zirakpur

IV

In the name of the so-called freedom struggle, once again militants have killed many people in Jammu and Kashmir. Once again we are unable to stop the spate of killings in the valley. Those guilty of this gruesome act must be punished to act as a deterrent.

Terrorists who are killing people in the name of religion or jihad must understand that killing of innocent people is not jihad. jihad is killing of the evil inside you.

VIPAN KUMAR, Amritsar

V

The Doda massacre of Hindus amply explains the government’s hollow claims of checking terrorism. Terrorists continue to target at will in the state. Much blood has flown in the past decade. Let there be an open national debate on how to restore peace in the state.

Jammu and Kashmir continues to bleed for more than a decade now. Let there be Army rule in the state if successive governments have failed to deliver the goods. Democracy in the state can be effective only if the people don’t have fear when they move out. The state cannot escape from its responsibility of protecting its people.

B. B. GOYAL, Ludhiana

VI

The massacre of so many people in the home district of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad is highly condemnable. It is yet another act of cowardice to threaten the Hindus with dire consequences.

Strangely, the National Minority Commission has slept over the Doda carnage. It cannot ignore the fact that Hindus are a minority community in this state.

J.K. MAGO, Panchkula

VII

The Doda massacre has come as a bolt from the blue. Kashmiri Pandits have been displaced due to the terrorist menace and they are living in a miserable condition. Leaders of all political parties should jointly fight terrorism.

There is a need to revive village defence committees for issuing modern weapons and intelligence inputs to tackle the problem.

C. LALL S. CHANDER, Nangal

Martyr’s family deserves help The treatment meted out to the family of the late Assistant Sub-Inspector Nanak Chand who was killed during the terrorists’ attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001 is highly deplorable (April 22). His family has been running from pillar to post during the past five years for the much promised government allotment of a petrol pump but in vain. This is shameful. Mere garlanding the photographs of eight brave men, who laid down their lives for the honour of the nation, won’t do. Their brave act saved the lives of several members of Parliament and other VIPs. V.M. SETH, Sonepat