THIS refers to Mahir Ali’s article ‘A partial reckoning’ (Feb 20). It gives the impression that in his view it was per se a crime to be pro-Pakistan, and to oppose secession.

I condemn the atrocities committed in 1971, but a distinction should be made between committing atrocities and being loyal to Pakistan.

Many Bengalis who did not belong to Jamat-i-Islami, such as Nurul Ameen, Mahmud Ali and Maulvi Farid Ahmad, were opposed to secession.

I may also mention that the Bengalis had voted overwhelmingly to join Pakistan.

By all indications, Mujibur Rehman was in cahoots with India even before the military crackdown.

If we had given East Pakistan its due share in the governance of Pakistan and not left it defenceless against India in 1965, the outcome may have been different.

The Awami League government is carrying out a political vendetta. Amending the law to the detriment of the accused during the course of legal proceedings speaks for itself.

Will the death penalty be awarded because of street demonstrations?

ASAF ALI SHAH     Lahore