Opinion Letters to the Editor: Keep Death Alive

The Uphaar judgment shows there are lacunae in understanding the basic premises of the rule of law.

September 4, 2015 12:20 AM IST First published on: Sep 4, 2015 at 12:20 AM IST

The Law Commission has recommended — and not unanimously — the abolition of the death penalty (‘End death penalty, keep it only for terror: Law panel tells govt, 7-3’, September 1). Some human rights organisations and hardened criminals must be laughing now. The country is not ready yet for such largesse. Since Independence, very few executions (57 in 68 years) have been recorded. The crime rate has not come down. There’s the view in certain quarters that Naxalites are a law and order problem. They have killed hundreds of security personnel and civilians. There’s also no room for mercy for criminals who liquidate whole families for property or for those involved in kidnappings, rapes, etc.

J.K. Mago, Mumbai

Manipur Strife

The law and order situation went from bad to worse in Manipur (‘The siege within’, September 3). The fresh violence forced the authorities to extend the indefinite curfew. The Centre termed the situation tense, with Home Minister Rajnath Singh calling up Chief Minister Ibobi Singh and offering full assistance. It’s time to bring the situation under control and bring peace.

Abhishek Ram, Navi Mumbai

No Closure

Apropos the article ‘An inequitable justice’ (September 3), it’s rightly argued that the rule of law must be observed by all. The Uphaar judgment shows there are lacunae in understanding the basic premises of the rule of law. Thus fairness, neutrality and non-arbitrariness have been ignored. The Uphaar tragedy claimed several lives, and the kin of victims need to get justice.

Vyom Tripathi Shivam, Sultanpur

KISS of Knowledge

Bibek Debroy’s ‘The idea of KISS’ (September 3) is one of the worthiest pieces of writing on education in a
long time. The simplicity of the KISS model can be easily replicated across the country. We, as citizens, need to take responsibility for making India literate as a first step towards nation-building. It’s time for us to come together and reach out to make the country a knowledge society.

Sanjeev Roy, New Delhi