(More) Terrorism in India?
I just found out from various news sources on the
Internet that two bombs exploded tonight in the Northern Indian city of
Varanasi.
It's certainly too soon to tell, but it's
possible that the bombs, which early reports claim killed 15, were the work of
terrorists. Varanasi is a very important holy city for Hindus. One bomb was
detonated near a temple, the other at the train station. For the most part,
Muslims and Hindus seem to get along fairly well in India. But there is a
history of violence, and I suppose always a fear, or caution, that there might
be more.
We are safe. Andrah Pradesh,
where we will be until Wednesday, is on high alert. It has a number of important
temples, and it being festival season, I suppose officials are concerned another
temple could be a target. My mother, who is in Northern India on an Elderhostel
tour before she comes to visit us next week, should be safe. I am pretty sure
her tour does not include Varanasi (at least I checked the itinerary of a
similar tour and it does not include Varanasi). She has our mobile number, and
we haven't heard from her since she arrived in India a few days ago, so I am
hoping to hear from her soon.
In the
meantime, we will do our best to stay away from train stations and
temples.
Posted: Tue - March 7, 2006 at 10:48 AM