A terrorist is a terrorist is a terrorist. Terrorism knows no religion , knows no nationality. Its not my case to prove either the guilt or otherwise of Mohd Afzal. I have no sympathy for those who oppose his execution on the argument that the Death penalty is savage. I believe that those who live by the sword will die by it.
"Let a thousand criminals go scot free, but not a single innocent should be punished" - This was the lofty principle set for our Judiciary by our Founding Fathers. Justice must be seen to be done, said a friend of mine. I completely agree with that. More so , when the case is the attack on Indian Parliament and is being heard in the Supreme Court. Presumption of innocence till the guilt is proven is the basic right of every accused. The severity of the alleged crime should have nothing to do with this.
There has been some criticism that there was no direct evidence to prove Afzal's role in the act. I was astounded by such naiveity. In a case of this nature , you will have to rely to a large extent on circumstantial evidence.Terrorists can hardly be expected to take video recordings for the convenience of the prosecutors. Also no terrorist should escape on technicalities due to loopholes created by blundering investigating agencies.
Having said this, the majesty of the Law should not stoop to cold blooded revenge. A particular line in the SC judgement disturbs me. "The collective conscience of the society will be satisfied if the capital punishment is awarded to the offender".If he is guilty , he should be hanged. The state should not yield to blackmail or public opinion. Justice should be blind.If on the other hand , this sentence has been carried out to assauge the feelings of the general public, who can honestly support this.
To quote Swami Vivekananda, "I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and nations of the earth. "
Satyameva Jayate.
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The Indians , both the government and the public, are still in dark regarding how to deal with terrorism. We make sound statements in the media regarding how to counter terrorism and at the same time collects signatures for clemency of a terrorist.Had this Afzal won in his mission ,a good chunk of these crooked politicians wont be here to plead for him.Learn a lesson or two from the Americans which still hasnt witnessed even a minor incident of terror after the 9/11. We,at the same time, gets one in every month.
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