Kasab’s execution has come as a relief. However, I’m not rejoicing for it. There are many who are bursting crackers and celebrating his execution. I would not do that. This is only a case of bringing a criminal who had committed a heinous crime on our shores, to justice. The execution was necessary to send a message. The beauty is that it was done quietly.
The President took a very good decision and the execution and cremation were done quickly after Kasab’s clemency plea was rejected. If it had been publicised, it would have taken another month or two or probably longer to carry out. Many countries have appreciated the proceedings and the way Kasab’s case was handled by India and part of credit goes to the public prosecutor, Mr Ujjwal Nikam. Kasab was given a fair chance to present his case and was proven guilty.
We, as a country, have been really patient in the case and have waited for justice using only legal and fair means. We must, however, also realise that Kasab was only an outsourced person for killing and an instrument in the hands of many who are still on the other side of our border. Unfortunately, we have a neighbour that shelters terrorists who have acted against India and talks about improving economic relations with us at the same time. We had given a list of 21 people to be handed over to India during Mr Chidambaram’s tenure as home minister. But none of them have been brought back. Kasab’s execution is just one step in the right direction, but there is a long way to go to close this chapter. The investigation must continue and all those responsible must be brought to justice.