Capital punishment - various viewpoints.

I have been reading different views in the newspapers by readers, apart from the editorials, concerning the courts awarding capital punishment to the accused in the Parliament attack
case.

Some are for capital punishment. Some are normally against capital punishment, but want
it to be awarded in this case, as it involves terrorism. And the rest are fully against capital punishment etc.

Those that do not want a pardon to happen in this case cite the following :
1) A terrorist act and an attack on our country's foremost institution.
2) It would be unfair to the 9 security people killed in the attack.
3) The accused showing no remorse and not asking for pardon personally
(it is his family that have asked for pardon on his behalf).
4) The accused not accepting Indian constitution and authority.
5) A reduction to life sentence would mean that he will be again out in the
streets in 12 years plotting another attack.
6) If sentenced to life, could lead to another air hijacking in future to get him
released and free to plot more terror games.

Those that want a pardon in this case cite :
1) No human has the right to take another's life.
2) It is inhuman; the world as such is moving away from this type of punishment.
3) India, the land of Ahimsa, should not practice such western punishments.
4) If at a later stage, it turns out that the person was not guilty, it would not be
possible to reverse the injustice meted to him etc.

I personally am confused. I think that this is a grave crime and deserves serious
punishment. Also, I am worried about the signal this would send to our armed
forces (and their families) who sacrifice their life for our safety. But, I also believe
that no human has the right to take another's life. But if the sentence is reduced
to life, there is the possibility of trouble later as in points 5 & 6 above.

A person I know mentioned another novel / simple approach - pardon him (which will
satisfy those protesting against his being hanged), then bump him off in a stage-managed encounter (will satisfy those that are baying for his blood).

Ingenious, eh ? More like, killing two birds with one stone, and satisfying everybody.

Long time, no post.

Phew ! It's a long time since I posted anything here.

Not that I have any regular readers that are complaining. But still, need to start devoting
some time on a regular basis to this blog.