We requested the soldiers for their comments.

"I am essentially against the continuation of the death penalty. However, since the law is still prevalent in India, Afzal Khan's case most certainly meets the "rarest of rare" criterion and the law must take its course. Any nation that is careless of national security concerns always suffers grief. Surely we do not wish to be in that category in India."  - Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (Retd.)

“Absolutely hogwash. A person who can plan cold blooded murder at a mass scale should get no compassion. He should be exterminated - he does'nt deserve to breathe a second of fresh air -My views are knowing the plight of his family who I feel should have abandoned him long back.” -  Col Sanjeev Vajpei(Retd)

“Some issues must not be made political. The mind of the person who planned the attack on Parliament is definitely negative and disastrous. We are a democratic nation & our nation is run by a system and not by military like  some other countries. So, according to our judicial system, a decision has been taken so there should not be any change. The issue must not be politicised. A divided opinion is not good for our nation. According to the family of accused, he should not be hanged. But according to common sense, why he should not be hanged?” - Maj. Gen. V K Srivastava (Retd)

“Whether or not Mohammed Afzal should be delivered the capital punishment is  neither a matter of public debate (as being made out by the media and those aiming for some political spinoff) nor can a general consensus be arrived at on the subject. The law of the land is at work. The Court, supposedly, having conducted a fair and comprehensive trial, has found the individual guilty and , in their wisdom, awarded him  the death sentence for his complicity in the attack on the Parliament. Sequel to it, Mohammed Afzal has the right and privilege to make a mercy appeal to the President, which he has done. Now it is the Constitutional authority and responsibility only of the President alone to decide the case on its merit. Views, for or against, by various individuals, political persona or for that matter media (who bear no constitutional responsibility in the case), tantamounts to  interference in the decision making process of the President and is best avoided. Why donot we have faith in the system as also the patience to allow it to work without intervention or interference?” - Lt. Gen.  A S Bahia (Retd)

“Sufficient evidences exist against Mohd. Afzal. So why is there a  dilemma over the death sentence should be changed? There are over 100 accused for Mumbai Bomb Blasts & they all will be sentenced to death. Just think, how many exceptions will we keep on making? Any one who is responsible for these dangerous things, must be punished & he deserves that punishment. Many people show clemency but only the President can show clemency. But he should not act unilaterally.  As Ramzaan is going on so the delay can be considered but cancellation becomes dangerous as it gives chances to the terrorist parties for hijacking to get their person back. Many members of the political parties like Gulam Nabi Azaad are protesting against the Death Sentence of Mohd. Afzal. It is very shameful. So for the sake of nation’s security, his punishment should not be altered.” - Maj. Gen. Sheru Thapliyal

“He should be punished for what he has committed. But this role has to be played by our Judiciary only. This can also hurt the sentiments of the valley & the differences will grow more.  The problem is we can’t ignore his crime. The final decision will be taken only by our judiciary.” - Vice Admiral R B Suri.