Vox pop

Afzal Guru’s execution leaves our values hanging by a thread
With reference to Harsh Mander’s article A scar on democracy (Democracy Wall, February 19), the secret execution of 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru is a travesty of justice and democracy especially when many legal experts have claimed that Guru was denied a fair trial. The State’s failure to inform Guru’s family about the execution is not just an administrative omission but a human rights violation. If the UPA government had given the issue some thought, it could have used this chance to re-engage with the people of the state. Instead, by hanging Guru in a sneaky manner, it has only angered the people once again.
Siri Krishna, Noida

Don’t ground India’s security needs
This is with reference to the editorial Safety first, pride later (Our Take, Febru-ary 19). In view of the fact that India doesn’t have a sizeable industry for manufacturing weapons, cancelling the VVIP chopper deal with the Italian firm AgustaWestland is an imprudent decision. It will harm our defence preparedness. Instead of putting the country’s security in jeopardy, India and Italy must launch a joint probe into the alleged transnational irregularities as the two are signatories to the United Nations convention on corruption.
Natarajan R, via email

It’s time to clear the air
With reference to the editorial Killer on the loose (February 18), it is distressing to read that deaths related to air pollution have increased six-fold in the last decade. Besides making the National Ambient Air Quality Standards legally binding in all regions, we need a technology that will provide real-time reports on atmospheric pollution the way ‘Paris Balloon’ does in the French capital. India needs a strong policy intervention before it’s too late.
Rajendra Palhan, Delhi