This is with reference to the report “Soldiers kill suspected rebels in Indian Kashmir” (July 4). I am beginning to hate the word “suspected.” In the subcontinent, this word is conveniently used to settle political scores. Indian and Pakistani authorities kill numerous people “suspected” of some wrongdoing but both the countries continue to face the same problems for the past six decades or so.

The media of both countries appear to be very free and vibrant but they don’t take note of such actions. I must clarify one thing that I am not specifically criticizing the use of the word “suspected” in this report. It has become a norm in our countries. Powerful people use the police and other law-enforcement agencies against their rivals and our media reports “suspected” so and so killed. It’s a shame.