I completely agree with the sentiments of other concerned readers who expressed shock and dismay at the callousness of the journalists and photographers who stood by and watched Gulam Hassan Anwari's self-immolation .

The man died in a most horrific way. And the people who were alerted and waiting for his act were obviously not prepared to lift a finger to prevent it. If they didn't really believe that anything was going to happen, why were they waiting there?

Even more culpable are the editors who assigned the journalists to the stakeout. As managers, they ought to have the ability to see the bigger picture.

Did it not even cross their mind that they could prevent his suicide? Even if they had no sense of responsibility towards Gulam Hassan, did they not think that they were exposing their reporters to a highly traumatic experience?

I suppose, in the end, it is a question that each person who was involved will have to square with their own conscience. I hope for their sake they can.