Can you forgive criminal who kills your family member? Is it possible?

I kind of agree with that.. but aren't we supposed to get rid of any unforgiveness before we can get into heaven. Like no sin gets into heaven. If we have unforgiveness in our hearts, we have sin.. right? The ones who crucified Christ didn't ask for forgiveness, but while Jesus was on the cross he said "Father forgive them..." I try to forgive people who do me wrong, but sometimes it is hard to get past what they did. For me, forgiveness frees me.. it's not necessarily FOR the one who wronged me. I have forgiven the friend that stole $700 from me.. but I would never trust her again with my bank account.. know what I mean?

I don't think with regards to terrorism it is not simply about hanging one terrorist. In India today, general public has become so disillusioned with the political class who let alone hang any terrorist, are seen hand in glove patronizing them, be it some rooting for our former PM Rajiv Gandhi killers on grounds of mercy or those promoting their regional or religion based vote-bank dirty politics. While I feel criminals deserve exemplary punishment, I also feel that we as society & government should not spread hatred or give breathing space to fanatics by our actions. Thanks to you both for sharing your views on the matter.

Shibby it is not that easy...everybody has a right to fair trial as per our constitution. That is applicable to Indian citizens only. If, we look for international persons, actually such things should be tried in International courts that are acceptable to all countries. Never mind that..once we hang Kasab, do you think the problem would get over? I dont think so. There are metastases in cancer. Likewise, everytime you kill a terrorist his family members join the terrorist group. You are kind of adding fuel to fire. We too have some Indians in Pakistan. We do get our information. Some of them are known to the authorities but authorities dont round them up with a hope that some day those people will contact others in the group, and so they can all be rounded up at one go. The process lasts years to establish the identity of a person. All that effort can be wiped out in fraction of seconds if we kill kasab. Instead, if we portray ourselves as reasoable people, it would destroy the credibility of the terrorist leaders - the young questioning minds will wonder like you, why Kasab is not being killed if indeed Indians are bad. And quite a few innocent people from our country who are in Pakistan may also get framed. Costs do not vary much ..espionage costs versus cost of maintaining this terrorist.

Exactly...if we kill..we spread angst ...that can be difficult to handle as a country in such cases. We are almost facing the same situation as Rajiv Gandhi's murderers. It must hurt Priyanka and Rahul helluva lot. But political compulsions are such. Tamil Nadu wants protection for tamils out there in Sri Lanka, and those Tamils wanted the culprits to be condoned. This meant that Priyanka and Rahul have leave political ambitions and settle for obscurity if severe punishment is sought. May be they cant afford security expenses after leaving the limelight. In any event, what is to be gained? Rajiv Gandhi is not coming back..whatever they do or say..

I think leading a normal life, retaining sanity and compassion is best one can hope for. One cannot force oneself to forgive someone otherwise it is not for real. If you feel like forgiving a person, you know it yourself.

First hand experience, forgiving is impossible, forgetting is - I try to keep my mind away from such issues.

Anger and grief is natural when you suffer loss. You can only hope and try to keep emotions in check. Not let strong emotions control you. As then we behave and act in ways we don't believe in and might later regret. Having compassion and faith in God, helps aid healing process over time.

3 years!!! That is impossible...the only way it is possible is to keep the mind occupied and by keeping away from people responsible.

Wonder what were the compulsions..

Perhaps the brother and son was somebody they both were terrified of....

I'm not sure. I can't understand where the sister could every GET feelings for that man BUT I also can't fathom how and why the mother would be OKAY with it! I mean COME ON people! This man is in prison for killing your brother and son!

Forgiving is never easy esp. if you are harmed and hurt. Leading your life as close to normal as possible. One should try for without being drowned in bitterness. Having faith in God and retaining compassion within. Thanks for sharing your views. Good day to you too. Cheers :)

I agree..