Varanasi blasts
First, I have to print an error correction: the Lucknow deaths weren't due to Hindu/Muslim communalism. I picked that up from the internet, but it turns out they were Muslim shop owners and three of the four that died were Muslims. Also the looted gun shop was Muslim-owned. I rode by today to check it out. There were ten lazy policemen sitting in front sipping chai.
The weird thing is how quickly it morphed into a communalist issue in the press and general understanding. I went to Aminabad today (finally got my photos!) and asked the frame shop owners what happened, and they said oh, nothing, just some Hindu-Muslim riots. Maybe he just didn't want to say anti-American, as if I didn't know.
The Varanasi blasts that went off tonight are obviously anti-Hindu, and now everyone is really nervous, not just the Americans. Who knows why they were set off, or who did it, or who benefits. Maybe the Hindu fundamentalists benefit, but that's my heritage (conspiracy theory genes) speaking. The serial blasts in such symbolic places (the river Ganges, the Hanuman temple, the train) but without a huge loss of life... hmmm, very interesting.
I just read a great article: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=89087. It was published before the blasts. Political parties based on ethnic or religious identification should be constitutionally banned. That's my opinion. In 1947 no one anticipated how they would take off, and it sure was interesting. But not good. Other democracies do it and India should too.
The institute is closed again tomorrow due to nervousness. We've heard rumours of riots and car burnings in Lucknow, but it reminds me a little of Sept 11 when we kept hearing new reports that the Capitol was struck, fire on the Mall, a plane heading for the White House, a car bomb at the State Dept. I had to walk out to the Mall to settle for myself that it was just a bunch of rumours. I don't feel comfortable walking out to Lalbagh tonight though sorry.
Well, my presentation tomorrow was supposed to be on the Indo-US nuke deal. If any of you want to know about it, I can give it here, but you have to ask. I have all day tomorrow to mope around the house, forbidden to go outside... at least I bought a watermelon yesterday.
Hi Rose. My friend Jean and I want to read your report on the US-India nuke deal. And can you write a new update? The photo of you looks great. Thanks, love, Adriana
Posted by: Adriana | March 20, 2006 02:58 AM