Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Terror and torture

This refers to the article “Does terror justify torture?”" (May 27). Yes, terror justifies torture because terrorists are brutal and cruel to their victims. There are many voices representing the perpetrators of terror but not many speak up for the victims. Unrecognised, mutilated bodies strewn around seem to have no effect on those who argue for the humane treatment of terror accused.

The security agencies need to question the accused to get the details of an incident. Asking the trained cadres a few simple questions will yield nothing. We have no option other than tolerating some degree of police highhandedness for the sake of national security.

V. Rajan,

Thiruvananthapuram

One has rarely heard of an instance in which the interrogation of a hardcore criminal or terrorist has yielded anything without the use of torture. It will not be prudent on the part of rights activists to demand a blanket ban on the use of torture while interrogating terrorists who indulge in merciless killings.

What can be insisted on is the judicious use of torture when other efforts at questioning prove ineffective. There should be no room for misplaced sympathy for terrorists.

K.D. Viswanaathan,

Coimbatore

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