Varanasi bomb blast

Dashashwamedh Ghat

affected area

Again something happened which I never like to hear about. Varanasi faced another bomb blast at Dashashwamedh Ghat during Ganga aarti. My profession brings me to this place at least 15 times a month but luckily I was there today hence I am in good enough condition to write this post but I am really sad for those people who are affected by it. The central government of India, the UP state government and media also is hiding the fact about the real number of victims. I have seen at least 10 ambulances full of injured people passing by my neighborhood but media and government says that only 20 people are injured and 1 girl died.

Empty ghats

empty ghats

The ambulances I saw were going to BHU only and I know that there are at least three more hospitals treating the victims so I am sure that the real number is at least over 100. I don’t have any words to express my feelings but enough is enough now. Indian Mujahideen which used to be a Muslim students organization in India called SIMI is taking responsibility of this attack. But I think Indian government, Indian police and our intelligence department is more responsible for it. I was surprised and sad both to hear the comment by Indian prime minister, Sonia Gandhi and UP police. The Indian prime minister and Sonia Gandhi are appealing people to be calm and UP police’s comment is that it was a terrorist attack.

Sad faces

Sad faces

The whole India knows that it was a terrorist attack and they don’t need to inform us about it but unfortunately this is what we hear all the time. But enough is enough and really need to do something. I can’t really do anything alone just by writing a post here on my blog but I want appeal to all those people who are reading my blog to come and unite against Indian police, our corrupt government, our intelligence department and terrorists. Think several times before voting and every time a policemen asks you for a bribe or if you ever see anything illegal happening, please document it and publish it somewhere so that we can raise awareness about it.  I am really sad and angry.

Sheeta temple near bomb blast place

Sheetla temple near bomb blast place

Bomb blast place

Security for VVIPs visiting the afftected area

Security for VVIPs visiting the afftected area

Road cleaning for VVIPs

Road cleaning for VVIPs

The whole city was closed in the protest against the bomb blast

The whole city was closed in the protest against the bomb blast

————————————————————————————————————————–
————————————————————————————————————————–

Kashmir Issue

I returned from a trip to Jammu & Kashmir a few days ago. Although my trip was not successful because the police stopped us from entering the Kashmir Valley due to bad weather and violence, I have no regrets, as I got to talk with the locals and the Indian Army about the biggest social issue in India: Kashmir and the tensions between Hindus and Muslims. I wanted to visit the Amarnath Temple, one of the holiest places on the planet for Hindus. I had been to Kashmir about ten years ago, at which time it marked the beginning of better times in the Kashmir Valley.

When I was in Srinagar ten years ago, I did not witness any violence; the people seemed very happy. I spoke with locals then as well, and they were welcoming and glad that tourists were starting to return to the valley, as terrorism was being defeated. The economy of the Kashmir Valley is completely dependent on tourism, but whenever there is tension between India and Pakistan, tourism in Kashmir collapses completely. We arrived in Jammu by train and hired a taxi to Pahalgam, the base camp for pilgrims going to Amarnath.

We left the hotel around 10 o’clock, excited for the trip, but the police stopped us, stating that the weather in the Kashmir Valley was bad and that no one was allowed to proceed further. My taxi driver mentioned that sometimes the police stop people for no reason and suggested that we talk to them. We approached the J&K police, and they told us to wait and contact them later. I noticed an Army check-post nearby and saw a few pilgrims going inside their office, so I thought I should also speak with them.

We went to the army office and explained our situation. Our driver advised us to say that we did not want to go to Amarnath, but instead to Katra, another pilgrimage site about 40 km from Jammu. We told the army officer that we wanted to go to Katra but that the police were preventing us from doing so. He said he could have helped us if we had any connection to the army—meaning if I had any relatives or acquaintances who worked there. I do have relatives in the Indian Army, but I didn’t want to delay the process by calling them to speak with this officer, so I told him that I did not know anyone in the army.

The army officer informed us that, in this case, he could not help us. He asked where I was from, and fortunately, he was also from a city near Varanasi. After learning this, he became friendlier. I asked him if there was any way to proceed, and he told me that it was neither his style nor that of the Indian Army to suggest or accept bribes. However, he mentioned that if we wanted to understand how the J&K police operated, we could offer them a bribe of Rs. 500, and they would likely let us through. He acknowledged that the police engaged in such practices but refused to approach them on our behalf, as the army held a strong dislike for the J&K police because of their corruption.

I was surprised to learn that such things were happening in J&K, but at least now we had a potential way to reach our destination. We approached a police officer and offered him a bribe, which he accepted in exchange for allowing us to proceed for Rs. 300 per taxi. Unfortunately, just as we were handing him the money, another police officer noticed us and became aggressive. The officer who had initially agreed to take the bribe also turned on us and became angry. We found ourselves back in line once again. As I was wandering around, I spotted an army officer standing alone and decided to strike up a conversation with him about his job.

I approached him, and we started talking. He shared something that really shocked me: he claimed that J&K was no longer part of India, and even he didn’t know where it stood. He said that the army was there solely to protect the people and that we should focus on enjoying our pilgrimage. He expressed serious anger toward the J&K police, stating that if the army were to leave the state for just one day, the J&K police would sell out the entire region, making it impossible for people from outside J&K to enter the next day.

He claimed that the J&K police were completely corrupt and one of the biggest contributors to terrorism in the state. Having heard similar sentiments before, I found his perspective credible, especially after witnessing how they agreed to let us go only after accepting Rs. 300. After waiting for ten hours, we were instructed to return to Jammu. The police told us to come back the next day at 4 AM. We returned to the hotel and came back at 4 AM, only to be stopped again and told to get in line. While waiting, I noticed a young man who looked local, so I decided to strike up a conversation with him.

I asked him where he was from, and he told me he was from a village near Anantnag. This excited me because I had often read and heard about terrorist activities in that area. I asked if he was a student, and he explained that he couldn’t attend school due to his family’s poor financial condition and had been selling hot water to pilgrims going to Amarnath. After talking for a while, I asked him a question that surprised him and made him uncomfortable. I wanted to know if he had ever seen a terrorist. His facial expression clearly indicated his discomfort. Initially, he insisted that he had never seen one, but I sensed he was hiding something. So, I continued the conversation, explaining that I was just a curious tourist interested in the situation.

Eventually, he revealed something that truly shocked me: terrorists often come to his village and stay with the locals. While the villagers do not want to host them, they feel they have no choice. If they inform the army about the terrorists’ presence, they fear they would be killed eventually, so they are compelled to accommodate the terrorists and assist them in achieving their goals. He told me that when terrorists stayed at his house, they would sleep with his sister, and he felt powerless to stop them. He began to cry as he shared this, and I was deeply saddened and shocked by his story. How could this happen?

He also recounted another story about a close friend who once hosted a group of three terrorists in his home. On the same day, the army conducted a routine check and arrived at their house. They knocked on the door, entered, and asked for ID from all family members. Everyone had an ID, except for the three guests, who were terrorists. He explained that one army officer was inside the house, while the rest of the soldiers remained outside. As the officer asked for the ID of one of the terrorists, the others opened fire, killing him and targeting the soldiers outside. The army responded by blowing up the entire house. Tragically, all three terrorists and the family members inside were killed, leading to widespread protests against the army.

I can’t help but wonder what the right decision would have been: to destroy the house or to wait and identify who the terrorists were. Once, I asked my driver what the Kashmiri people wanted, and I was surprised by his answer: that they want neither India nor Pakistan, but instead seek independence. I struggle to understand this viewpoint because if they became independent, they would have to start from scratch, facing poverty and numerous other challenges for a long time. I believe it would be more practical for the Kashmiri people to remain with India rather than pursue independence or align with Pakistan, as India has more resources, is developing faster than Pakistan, and offers greater security and opportunities.

When I asked my driver about the tensions between Hindus and Muslims and the issue of terrorism in the Kashmir Valley, he was reluctant to acknowledge any such tensions. He claimed that the Indian Army and politicians were solely responsible for all the problems in the region. He accused the army of killing innocent people in Kashmir for no reason, a statement I found hard to believe. While I share a disdain for politicians, I cannot accept that the army deliberately targets innocent civilians.

My driver blamed America for all the problems and tensions in the world. He said that Barack Obama, George Bush, and other American politicians should be held accountable and punished because they seek to dominate the world and incite conflict. I couldn’t speak with many locals, but those I did were very angry with the Indian Army, Indian politicians, and America. I struggle to understand America’s role in our problems; I believe it is terrorist organizations, politicians, and extremist groups that create conflict and tension, not America.

I couldn’t make it to Amarnath, but two of my friends managed to visit just days before I left Varanasi. They were able to reach the temple because the weather was favorable upon their arrival. They shared some shocking stories with me. One friend, Sonu, recounted that they were stuck in a traffic jam near Srinagar when they noticed three young kids, hardly 10 to 12 years old, passing by. Sonu called out to them, wanting to engage in conversation. When he asked what they were doing on the highway, the kids replied in a way that left Sonu and his friends stunned.

Instead of replying, they asked Sonu what he was doing there. Their words were, ‘Why are you here? Do you come here to pray to the ice (Shivalingam in Amarnath temple is naturally formed of ice)? It’s not a god, it’s just ice that melts in the heat. You shouldn’t come to Kashmir. This is our land, not yours, you fucking Indians.’ Sonu became both angry and scared. I wondered how much hatred was embedded in that child’s mind. Kashmir is a major issue and a significant source of tension between Hindus and Muslims in India. I always believed that Muslims wanted to stay with India, but such incidents make me reconsider that.

Sonu mentioned that locals in the Kashmir valley were throwing stones at vehicles carrying pilgrims to Amarnath, and his taxi was also attacked. He saw over 200 cars with broken windows. People were hurling stones at the vehicles and urging pilgrims and tourists to leave Kashmir. It sounds truly terrifying. I wouldn’t want to go to a place where people greet me by throwing stones at my vehicle. It’s a terrible situation for the innocent people of Kashmir, as their lives are most affected

I don’t know what the future holds for the Kashmir Valley, but one thing is certain: if the current conditions persist, the people of Kashmir will face serious challenges, and it will take a long time to improve the situation. After hearing all these true stories and spending four days in J&K, I felt a deep sadness and questioned whether I was truly in a part of India. How can an Indian citizen view me as an outsider visiting their land? I don’t understand what has led people to feel they are not Indian. If this is the case, then what are we fighting for?

Are we fighting for a piece of land, or for the rights of the people of Kashmir? So many questions arise, and I don’t even know if I have the right to question the issues in Kashmir. It seems the people of Kashmir want something different, but as an Indian, I feel compelled to question everything happening in my country. Personally, I believe that Kashmir is part of India. I hope that one day terrorism will be defeated and that the people of Kashmir will find prosperity and a better life. For now, my friends and I have decided not to visit the Kashmir Valley again until the terrorism problem is resolved and the people once again welcome pilgrims and tourists with the spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhav.” अतिथि देवो भव. Peace.

Finally received Indian passport

I finally received my passport, and believe me, it took more than eleven months. I applied for it last February and only received it this January. The entire process was marred by bureaucratic red tape and corruption. From purchasing the application to finally holding the passport in my hands, it was a constant ordeal of bribery and inefficiency. The police were supposed to verify my documents by visiting my home and meeting me in person, but instead, I had to go to the police station, where they demanded Rs. 600 and never followed up with a home visit.

Similarly, the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU), known for its propensity to ask for bribes and its lack of genuine efficiency, was also supposed to verify my documents. I ended up meeting the officer in a hospital room where his wife was admitted. It was quite absurd: I received a call from an LIU officer who said he had my passport documents and wanted to meet me. When I inquired about the time he would visit my home, he told me his wife was ill and in the hospital, so he provided me with the hospital address and asked me to meet him there.

At the hospital, this officer took me to the room where his wife was lying in bed. She had the typical appearance of someone whose spouse is involved in corrupt practices. The officer briefly reviewed my documents and then demanded Rs. 600 as a bribe. My friends had advised me to offer only Rs. 300, so I tried to negotiate, but he insisted that the Rs. 600 would be distributed among all the officers at the LIU office. Reluctantly, I paid him the full amount.

Adding to the absurdity, the officer then asked me to teach him English. I couldn’t help but laugh at the request and didn’t know how to respond. I suggested a few language schools and quickly left the hospital. During our conversation, he revealed something troubling: when I asked why he didn’t come to my home for verification, he mentioned that they were primarily concerned with people who have beards, implying a focus on Muslims.I understand that one particular group is involved in the majority of terrorist activities around the world and may be viewed with suspicion. However, as an officer working for the LIU, he should have visited my place and conducted a thorough check regardless.

The inefficiency and bias of institutions like the LIU seem to contribute to the problem rather than address it effectively. It’s disheartening to see how these institutions operate, especially given the significant impact of terrorism on our society.

Tourism in Amritsar

After submitting my tour guide license documents at the India Tourism office in New Delhi, I headed to Amritsar. I had heard a lot about the flag ceremony at the Wagah India-Pakistan border, which was the main reason for my visit. I was scheduled to arrive in Amritsar on the evening of the 9th, but due to a 17-hour train delay, I reached on the afternoon of the 10th. I quickly found a hotel near the railway station, dropped off my things, and went straight to Wagah, as the parade was set to start at 4:30 PM. Although I had enough time to get there before the parade, I wanted to arrive early to get a sense of the atmosphere.

The bus dropped me about two kilometers from the border, and I had to take a rickshaw from there. I was keen on experiencing Amritsar and interacting with locals, so I chose to take the bus to engage with more people. The bus was packed, but I managed to get a seat. I arrived at the Wagah border at 3 PM, but at that time, the border was only open to traders, not the general public. Wagah border, like many tourist spots in India, had its share of touts and vendors. There weren’t many shops, but those that were there had touts. Several individuals approached me, trying to direct me to their “brother’s” restaurant or shop.

Being from Varanasi, where the tourism industry is heavily influenced by touts, I was well aware of these tactics. Since I wasn’t hungry, my rickshaw driver didn’t receive any commission. I noticed that Wagah border was one of the few places in India where time was strictly observed. The border closed for traders at 3:30 PM sharp. After the closure, tourists were allowed to queue up. There were about 3,000 people lined up to watch the parade. Some rickshaw drivers offered to get us closer to the front, which I found surprising but true. There were two gates, about 500 meters apart, with a security check in between. People chanted slogans like “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” with great enthusiasm.

BSF office at Wagah

It turned out that getting to the security check first was crucial for a good view of the parade. The first gate opened at 4 PM, and everyone rushed to the second gate for the security check. I was impressed by the orderly management but was taken aback when I saw two policemen on horses accompanied by a dog. I wondered about the effectiveness of such security measures, given the potential risks. Seeing wild animals around, even in high-security areas, is not uncommon in India, but it was unexpected at such a critical location. The parade began at 4:30 PM and was an unforgettable experience.

On the Indian side, there were around 3,000 to 4,000 spectators, while the Pakistani side had only about 300 to 400 attendees. This discrepancy was likely due to the vast difference in population sizes between the two countries. During the parade, people were cheering loudly for their respective sides. I spoke with locals about the purpose of the parade, and they mentioned that it aimed to bring Indians and Pakistanis closer together. However, the aggressive posturing of the soldiers seemed to contradict this intention. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed the parade, which lasted for 45 minutes, culminating in the lowering of the flags on both sides.

BSF flag

After the parade, I was delighted to see women serving at the border. In a predominantly male society like India, where many women are confined to traditional roles, it was inspiring to see women actively involved in border security. They appeared fit, confident, and diligent in their duties, which was a refreshing sight. Later, I visited the Golden Temple, which was magnificent and enormous. I had heard about the Sikh tradition of volunteers managing visitors’ shoes and was impressed by the organization. The volunteers at the shoe stands were efficient and dedicated. Visitors were also provided with cloth pieces to cover their heads before entering the temple. The cold weather, with temperatures dropping to around 0.8°C, made walking on the marble floors quite chilly.

The Golden temple

The Golden Temple was bustling, but the management ensured that the crowds were well-handled. I spent a few hours there, observing the activities and enjoying the Langar meal. The temple’s dedication to service and the sense of community were remarkable. After visiting the Golden Temple, I went to Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial dedicated to the massacre of 2,000 Indians during British rule. The site includes an art gallery, the well where people fell while trying to escape, and walls still bearing bullet marks. It was a somber and emotional experience, with many visitors reflecting on the brutality of the massacre.

The Golden temple

My final stop was the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum. Despite being a newly built facility, it lacked a power backup system, which was frustrating. After waiting for an hour due to a power outage, I explored the museum and learned about Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s life. This trip to Amritsar was highly successful and informative, allowing me to learn about Sikh religion and witness the Wagah border ceremony. Despite the cold weather, which I underestimated, the experience was enriching. Unfortunately, my train was canceled due to fog, and I had to buy a new ticket to Delhi and then to Varanasi, with a small bribe involved. Two days felt insufficient for exploring Amritsar, and I hope to return in the future.

Bullet marks

Terrorist attack on Mumbai

Mumbai was attacked by terrorists on November 26th. Nearly 175 people were killed, and over 350 were injured. Terrorism has been affecting India for decades, yet the government continues to issue the same unconvincing statements without taking substantial action to address it. In such a critical situation, it would have been ideal for all political parties to unite, but unfortunately, the two major parties—Congress and BJP—remained at odds. There is widespread criticism of both the government and the police. Media outlets, the Indian intelligence agency, and the FBI have indicated that the terrorists were trained in Pakistan.

Fire at the Taj Hotel, Mumbai

The police have gathered significant evidence suggesting Pakistan’s involvement in the attack, but the Pakistani government refuses to acknowledge it. India provided Pakistan with a list of twenty terrorists, requesting their extradition, but Pakistan demanded proof of their involvement before considering any action. The terrorists India has requested are internationally recognized as terrorists, yet Pakistan insists on further evidence. Dawood Ibrahim, who facilitated the terrorists’ sea route to Mumbai, is already listed as a most-wanted terrorist by the US government, but Pakistan still seeks more proof. Despite widespread calls for action from the Indian public, it seems unlikely that meaningful measures will be taken.

Ajmal Kasab, one of the terrorists

Following the Mumbai attacks, India received strong support from the international community. Both the US and Israeli governments have pledged their assistance in the fight against terrorism. However, while our government eagerly seeks international help for nuclear projects that could lead to environmental and safety risks, it appears less interested in leveraging international support to combat terrorism. I was particularly struck by an Israeli politician’s interview where he suggested that India should first address its own issues before expecting international assistance. I agree with this perspective.

An injured person at a hospital

It is crucial for us to take proactive measures ourselves rather than waiting for others to intervene. After each terrorist attack, politicians issue statements that ultimately lead nowhere. Both the Indian government and the international community often fall short in providing effective responses. The media also expressed frustration over repeatedly covering terrorist attacks. They criticized the constant exposure to violence and the need to report on it. Despite their efforts to capture and report on the attacks, media outlets often found themselves ahead of the police in terms of information.

CST Railway station after attack

The media’s coverage, including photos and videos of the terrorists, contrasted sharply with the police’s repeated claims of being unable to locate them. During one interview, a terrorist called into a news channel with demands, including the release of imprisoned terrorists and the declaration of Hyderabad as a Muslim state. Despite his claims of being from Hyderabad, his distinct Kashmiri accent revealed his actual origin. Eventually, it was confirmed that the terrorists were from Karachi, Pakistan. One of the terrorists, when asked about their food needs, dismissed the question, stating that they would be welcomed into heaven with plentiful food.

Fire coming out of Oberio Hotel window

When informed that the NSG commandos were closing in, he replied that the world was watching and that dying would lead him to heaven and the blessings of Allah. The terrorists justified their attack by alleging that Hindus mistreat Muslims, citing the demolition of the Babri Mosque as an example. However, this was an isolated incident, and many temples have been destroyed in Pakistan as well. Their claims do not reflect the broader reality in India, where such incidents are rare. When discussing Kashmir, the terrorists claimed that its people want to join Pakistan.

 

However, during my time in Kashmir, every person I spoke to expressed a desire to remain under Indian control. Kashmir’s ongoing poverty is largely due to terrorism, and if the terrorists genuinely cared about the Kashmiri people, they would cease their violence, as India offers better opportunities than Pakistan. Recent sentiments among my friends suggest that if Kashmir is the source of these problems, some would even support giving it to Pakistan to resolve the issue. I understand this perspective, given the persistent violence affecting all parts of India. If the Indian government were to consider this option, I would support it, recognizing that the government has struggled to solve the Kashmir issue effectively.

If those advocating for Kashmiri Muslims genuinely cared about their welfare, they would also need to address the conditions of Muslims in other Indian states. Their demands for Kashmir might eventually extend to the whole country. Instead, if they want Kashmir, they should also accept all Muslims from India and resettle them elsewhere. This, however, is unrealistic because their real aim is not to improve the lives of Muslims but to disrupt India’s progress and economy. The Mumbai attacks targeted landmarks like the Taj and Oberoi hotels to damage India’s tourism and economic sectors. While not all Muslims are involved in terrorism, these attacks taint their image and intentions.

The public response to the attacks was powerful. People across India protested, with a massive candlelight march in Mumbai. Many believe that the government, rather than the terrorists, should be held accountable for the security lapses that allowed the attacks to occur. The ease with which the terrorists smuggled weapons from Karachi suggests possible collusion with local authorities. Mumbai demands a change in the political system, and while some advocate for more educated leaders, I believe that honesty is more critical. Education alone cannot solve corruption; it must be coupled with integrity. Despite young Indians’ rejection of bribery, widespread corruption in government and law enforcement undermines this ideal.

Candle light procession

Guests at the Taj Hotel during the attacks praised the staff for their efforts in keeping them informed and safe. In contrast, government agencies failed to deliver. The private sector performed admirably under the circumstances. Instead of solely blaming Pakistan or terrorist organizations, we need to improve our internal systems. In my view, the primary failures were within the Indian government and its security forces.

Hotel Taj before attacks

Terrorism in India

Yesterday was the last day of Durga Puja, and I went out with my friends to visit the Durga pandals, as we have been doing for the past decade. We typically leave home around 9 PM and spend the whole night traveling to different pandals, returning by morning. The traffic is usually heavy due to the large number of people attending, and we normally park our bikes and walk from one pandal to another.

This year, however, I was taken aback by the turnout. Only about ten percent of the usual crowd attended, a stark contrast to the vibrant celebrations of previous years. The streets, which are normally congested, were relatively empty, making it easy to ride our bikes. My friends and I were prepared for the usual foot traffic, but there was no need to walk extensively. I believe the reduced attendance was due to the recent bomb blasts in various cities and the ongoing reports about terrorism in Varanasi.

It felt disheartening to see that fear seemed to have overshadowed the festive spirit. I recall the aftermath of the bomb blast at Sankat Mochan temple, where over a hundred people died. Despite the tragedy, the community quickly returned to normal, expressing their resolve to combat terrorism with support from the authorities. However, this year’s low turnout at Durga Puja suggests that the same resolve might be fading.

This situation reminds me of a recent incident when Jaipur police arrested a mullah in Varanasi, suspecting him of involvement in the Jaipur bomb blasts. The arrest sparked significant protests from the Muslim community, leading to his release due to political pressure and concerns over vote banks. Even though he remains a suspect, he is now free and continues his activities.

Similarly, Afzal Guru, who was convicted for the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament, was sentenced to death by the Supreme Court. However, the Central Government, led by Congress, has stalled the execution by petitioning the President, who is a Congress candidate. Reports suggest that many terrorists, including those in jail, live under relatively favorable conditions due to political and police corruption.

Sometimes I wonder if individuals like Afzal Guru and the mullah who was released under political pressure are involved in orchestrating bomb blasts. Political parties often prioritize maintaining support from influential vote banks, such as the Muslim community, over addressing terrorism effectively. The current state of affairs makes it seem like meaningful change is unlikely to come anytime soon.

Major Terrorist Attacks in India

India has experienced a series of major bomb blasts over the years, often with devastating consequences. The news channel NDTV 24×7 categorizes these as major incidents, reflecting the scale of the problem. The following are notable examples:

Recently, a suspect in the Jaipur bomb blasts, a Muslim man who teaches at a madarsa in Varanasi, was arrested. This led to significant unrest, with thousands of Muslims protesting and blocking traffic, demanding his release. The situation escalated when the head of a prominent mosque in Benares intervened, promising to secure his release by a specific deadline. Despite police resistance, the suspect was eventually released on bail after extensive protests, including the involvement of local political leaders. This situation underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement and the delicate balance required in handling communal tensions and terrorism-related issues.

The difficulty in prosecuting suspects and managing public protests reflects the broader struggles in combating terrorism while maintaining social harmony.