Why did some soldiers take pity on the indians, and why were their acts of sympathy often severely punished?

Despite everything superior said to justify  and encourage the attacks on Indians, some soldiers developed kindness and mercy towards them, clearly understanding that they were human beings, not deserving such cruelty. And this was why they took pity on the Indians.

Their superior did not support this type of mentality in their soldiers because it made them less efficient in the battle. This is why the sympathy was often severly punished.

Soldiers took petty on some indians . The indians werent at fault.

your answer would be (a)