Naidu bats for strong deterrent, including death for terrorists, rapists

Amid a raging debate on the execution of 1993 Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu today said that strongest possible punishment, including death sentence should be given to terrorists, anti-nationalists and rapists.

"Glorifying terrorists and anti-nationalists is no good. Death penalty is an issue which can be debated upon. But surprisingly, some people come out openly as and when death penalty is given to a terrorist, anti-nationalist..." he told reporters here.

"Somebody is saying death penalty cannot take place. It may be their view. I am of the view that terrorists, anti-national people, rapists, strongest possible punishment including death sentence, should be given," he said.

Calling for a nation-wide debate on the topic, he said, "... Yakub Memon was hanged after 20 years of trial... Supreme Court sat up to 3.45 in the morning. That speaks for the greatness of India's independence and judiciary."

"Some people are running stories of what he (Memon) had for breakfast on that day....." he said.

Noting that some people were trying to bring religion into the matter, he said, "terrorist is a terrorist. Does he have any religion? An anti-national is an anti-national. Why are you talking about his religion whether he is Hindu, Muslim or Christian?"

He claimed 37 persons had been hanged in the recent past including Afzal Guru, Ajmal Kasab and Yakub Memon.

"We were all in Rameswaram for the funeral of the great man, the great son of India, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. But some of the (TV) channels were prominently showing and highlighting Yakub Memon. Are we serving the nation's interest?," he asked.

About rapists below the age of 18 not being given serious punishment, Naidu said, "Some people do not want people below 18 years to be given serious punishment. But when they (rapists) know how to rape, torture a woman, I do not have any sympathy for him (rapist) even if he is below 18 years. So the debate goes on in these issues.