Re: Attentat auf Manipur
Geschrieben von Bhaktin Geli am 19. August 2006 10:29:
Als Antwort auf: Re: Attentat auf Manipur geschrieben von Dr.Berghof am 18. August 2006 19:48:
Hier eine neue Nachricht:
Update on the Manipur Tragedy
Aug 18, MANIPUR, INDIA (SUN) ˜ News received by U.S. devotee from
those injured in Manipur.
The Janmastami day bomb attack on the ISKCON Manipur temple was
the most recent in a string of bombings that have targeted Hindu
temples during major religiuos holidays. Last October, a bomb in Delhi
killed more than 60 people during Diwali celebrations. 20 people were
killed last March at a Varnasi temple.
The Imphal Free Press (IFP) reports that, "The last rites of the
four victims slain in yesterday`s bomb attack at ISKCON were performed
this evening, amidst an unprecedented wave of grief and condemnation
from all sections of society, while the condition of at least seven of
those injured, including an American citizen, is listed as serious."
"This attack on the ISKCON temple that serves all devotees and all
visitors with welcome arms is an example of the lengths that
terrorists go to undermine the fabric of India and to provoke
religious and sectarian conflict," said Ramesh Rao, a member of the
executive council of the Hindu American Foundation.
Relatives weep over the body of a man who was killed
by a bomb explosion at a ISKCON temple near Imphal, Manipur.
REUTERS/Stringer
The number of injured is still unknown, but currently stands at
48. Further details on the injured have been reported by the IFP:
"Among the injured, Brian Nash, 52 from California USA, is
currently in the intensive care ward of the RIMS hospital, Lamphelpat.
Others at RIMS who are still in serious condition are Khoisnam
Manihar Singh, 68, of Malom Tulihal, and Khumbongmayum Ningthemjao,
70, of Kwakeithel Heinou Khongnembi. Five others are still under
treatment at RIMS hospital, but hospital sources said they are out of
danger.
14 others are still under treatment at Shija Hospital, of whom
four are in serious condition.
They are identified as Monika Devi 19 of Lamphel, Sushila Devi, 36
of Sangaiprou, Th Ranjita 24 of Langjing Achouba and K Manihar, 50 of
Thouda Bhabok Leikai.
Monika Devi and Sushila both sustained head injuries, while
Ranjita is said to be in a coma.
In the meantime, after completion of post mortem at RIMS mortuary,
the bodies of the four deceased were brought in a procession from RIMS
morgue in a huge public procession this afternoon, and taken to the
ISKCON complex where three of the bodies were cremated after prayers
were held and mourners paid their last respects.
ISKCON international director Bhaktiswarup Damodar Swami, who was
himself injured in yesterdays incident, participated in administering
the last rites.
The father of one of the children who was killed in the bomb blast
cries looking the photo of his demised son.
Thereafter, the bodies of H Birkumar alias Bitendra Das of
Khagempalli Huidrom Leikai, Wahengbam Anil, 9, son of W Nabadwip of
Sangaiprou, and Angom Blodin, 12, son of A Bobby of Lalambung Makhong
Takhellambam Leikai were cremated at the premises of ISKCON at around
5:30 pm. The body of Dr K Binod Kumar, 65 of Kwakeithel Akham Leikai
was cremated at their local crematorium at around the same time.
Family members, relatives, and near and dear ones of the deceased
thronged the ISKCON premises for the funeral.
Tight security arrangements were made for the ceremony, with
traffic along the Tiddim road halted near Imphal college and at a spot
around 200 metres from the ISKCON complex at the other end.
The cremation of Dr. K Binodkumar was held at the local
crematorium of Kwakethel Akham Leikai attended by large numbers of locals.
Banners reading `down with terrorism` were hoisted at the
cremation site.
Earlier, Bhaktiswarup Damodar Swami speaking at the gathering at
the ISKCON complex, said that even if yesterdays attack had been
carried out of ignorance, in the future, attacks on religious places
should be avoided.
He lamented that yesterdays incident has brought shame to Manipur
and stressed that all differences can be resolved without violence.
The following message was received by ISKCON's Public Relations
Department:
Hare Krishna!
My name is Jagadananda das and I am in Portland,Or writing
you this email to give you an update on information I have recieved
from Jivanmukta, Jivanuga, and Sachirani dd who are on the scene in
Manipur and giving first hand information about the incident. Their is
a disciple of Srila Prabhupada named Bhojadeva das that was seriously
injured by the blast and is currently in the hospital in Manipur. He
has just become conscious and they are waiting for him to get enough
strength to sit up so they can fly him to Kolkatta and then on to
Thailand to a good hospital so he can then be operated on. Bhojadeva
Prabhu was sitting very close to HH Bhakti Svarup Damodar Swami who
was also injured in the blast but Bhojadeva took the the brunt of the
blast. I would like if you could forward this information to all the
devotees so they may pray for Bhojadeva prabhu and all other devotees
that are being treated in the hospital. I apologize that I have no
info on other devotees that are being treated. Thank you for your kind
attention about this tragic situation.
Jason Gaynor
An injured devotee at a hospital.
New details emerge on the attack
The IFP reported that "Police investigators are however hopeful
that the attackers would have been caught on one or the other of the
many video cameras covering the Ras Leela function on the fateful day.
More details of the crime have emerged in the meantime from
accounts of eyewitnesses. They said the grenade is most likely to have
been lobbed from close quarters judging from the possible trajectory
it took. They said it hit the camera of a cameraman standing amongst
the spectators within the mandap (portico) indicating it was not
lofted too high. Both the camera and the grenade dropped at the spot.
The cameraman is amongst the injured.
The target appeared definitely to be the middle of the performing
arena and had it not been obstructed by the camera, it would have been
on target. Had this been so, a lot many more children performing at
the function would have been amongst the casualties, they said. It has
also been confirmed that the grenade is Chinese made and rust coloured.
Official investigators are reluctant to part with their findings
yet, but are hopeful there would be a breakthrough soon."
Protesters with a banner denouncing the terrorist attack at ISCKON
Temple.
Protests held to condemn the terrorist strike
Sangai Express today reported that a "sit-in-protest was staged
today at Keishampat junction by members of various organisations
including AMSU against the killing of Sunil Agarwal and the grenade
attack at ISKCON. Students too conveyed strong condemnation against
the violence perpetrated at Moreh and ISKCON complex by boycotting
their classes today.
The protestors at Keishampat junction held placards reading
"Grenade attack at ISKCON was an act of terrorism, it was a
conspiracy", "KNF (MC) should stop indulging in communal politics",
"One group under cease fire pact with army is terrorising people",
"Security force remained a spectator at Moreh" etc.
The protestors include volunteers from Apunba Manipur Kanba Lup,
All Manipur Women Social Reformation and Development Samaj,
Thangmeiband Apunba Nupi Lup, Paona Bazar Women Welfare Orgn,
Heirangoithong Makha Women Social Culture Development Assn, Khwai
Nagamapal Women Nisha Bandh Meira Paibi Assn, Nongpok Leingak Nupi
Lup, All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup and Khwairamband Nupi
Keithel Shemgat Shagatpa Lup.
Protesting against the inhuman attack at ISKCON and the murder of
AMSU Chandel District Committee president Sunil Agarwal, students of
many schools took half leave and protested. Such protests were staged
at TG Hr Secondary School, GP Women's College and Ananda Higher
Secondary School."
Manipur Governor, others condemn ISKCON blast
The IFP also reports the following:
"Yesterday`s bomb blast at the Imphal ISKCON complex has evoked
universal condemnation from all sections of society, from the Governor
of Manipur, Dr SS Sidhu, on downwards.
The Governor, who visited the injured at RIMS and Shija hospitals
this forenoon, in a statement expressed deep anguish and distress over
the bomb blast, which resulted in killing four persons and injuring
around 46.
He termed the attack as an act of terrorism and cowardice, and
said the bomb blast in a place of worship on the congregation of
devotees is a blot on the rich cultural heritage of Manipuri society
whcih is characterised by its pluralistic nature and age-old tradition
of peaceful coexistence.
He appealed to the people of Manipur to discard violence of any
form and work towards achieving peace and harmony in the state
The state Cabinet, in an emergency meeting today also placed on
record its strong condemnation of the act of terrorism and conveyed
its condolences to the families of the deceased, and extended its
wishes for the speedy recovery of the wounded persons.
The meet resolved to provide financial assistance to the injured
person and ex-gratia to the next of kin of the deceased persons.
Expressing strong condemnation over yesterday`s bomb attack at
ISKON, the Outer Manipur MP, Mani Charenamei said the attack was
carried out by people who has no respect for human lives and values.
Mj Gen EJ Kochekkan, GOC, 57 Mountain Division, expressing shock
at the wanton killing of innocent people, stated the attack showed the
mental make-up of the perpetrators and their utter lack of concern for
the lives of innocent people. All right thinking people and
organisations which value human life need to raise their voice in
condemnation of the dastardly act. The event also highlights the need
to put an end to the spiral of violence, and ove towards peace, the
statement said.
FPM MLA L Ibomcha, expressing his anguish in a statement, termed
the bomb attack as a despicable act, and appealed to all sections to
stand united against such blatant terrorist acts
MLA I Hemochandra, in another message, called the attack a beastly
act. Where is the conscience of Manipuri civil society, he asked.
The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, condemned the attack upon
worshippers as a barbaric and cowardly act and expressed its
condolences to the families of the deceased.
While welcoming the statement by chief minister O Ibobi Singh to
provide ex-gratia to the next of kin of the deceased and the injured,
the MPCC called upon the government to take swift action to bring the
culprits to book and punish them according to the law of the land.
Office bearers of the BJP Manipur Pradesh, meeting today to
discuss yesterday`s incident, unequivocally condemned it and demanded
action on the part of the state government to book the culprits
responsible.
The state BJP also took the view that the incident was the result
of the failure of the security forces and the state intelligence
network to do their job.
The BJP also felt that the O Ibobi Singh government has completely
lost control of the law and order situation in the state, a statement
issued by the party`s media cell said.
CPI(M) Manipur state secretariat, at a meeting today denounced the
bomb attack as a terrorist act, and extended its condolences to the
victims. It also took blamed the state government for the security
lapses that allowed the incident to happen.
The Nationalist Congress Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the
Chanura Marup of the Manipur People`s Party, the Communist Party of In
dia and the Janata Party have also issued messages of condemnation.
The All Manipur United Clubs Organisation, AMUCO, termed the
attack as a crime against the ideal of secularism and asserted that it
was totally alien to the Manipuri soil and ethos of pluralism.
At a time when the people of Manipur and the north east are
reeling from the effects of state terrorism such an act amounted to
knowingly or knowingly extending support to state terrorism, it said.
The Centre for Organisation Research and Education, called the
attack a dastardly and spineless act, and expressed its concern over
the killing of an AMSU youth activist in Moreh by Kuki militants
The Kuki Movement for Human Rights termed the act as an
unimaginable and unthinkable crime, not only against humanity, but
against God Humself.
Expressing its shock at the fact that foreign nationals were also
injured, it said the persons responsible owe an explanation to the
people of Manipur and outside why the barbaric act had been carried out.
The Ethno Heritage Council said such an act could only have been
carried out by mindless beasts, lamented that it would result in the
international community taking a wrong view of the Manipuri people and
Manipuri society.
The United People`s Front, while denouncing the bomb attack,
expressed surprise how the attack could take place despite stringent
security, and demanded that a high level enquiry should be launched to
get to the truth of the matter.
The Threatened Indigenous People`s Society, and United Committee
Manipur also condemned the attack.
The Imphal unit of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh denouncing the
attack as a demonic act of terrorism, resolved to extend full support
to any action taken up by the public over the issue.
Similar messages came from the Dharma Rakshak Samiti, Manipur, the
Foundation for University of Sanamahi Culture, and the Lainingthou
Sanamahi Thougal Kanglup, the Shree Shree Govindajee Temple Board, the
Manipur Sahitya Parishad, the Thangmeiband United Club, Imphal East
United Clubs Organisations and the Manipur Loumi Lup.
The Democratic students Alliance of Manipur, termed the attacked
as a mindless and cowardly act and called on all to repect the
sanctity of religious places.
The All India Student Federation, state unit, the All Manipur
Senior Citizens Welfare Association, the All India Youth Federation,
the Democratic Youth Federation of India, and the Students Federation
of India, also condemned the incident.
ISKCON office bearers and Manipur United Religion Cooperation
Circle, meeting this afternoon at the ISKCON campus expressed anguish
at the death of four devotees and wounding of several others as a
result of yesterday`s bomb attack
ISKCON international director Bhaktiswarup Damodar Swami, in a
statement issued in this connection asked what the attackers hoped to
gain by killing devotees, asserting that no thinking being would
endorse the act.
He reposed faith in non-violence, but maintained that belief in
non-violence should not be mistaken for cowardice.
From time immemorial, people of different races and different
faiths have lived amicably in Manipur, but yesterday`s incident would
result in Manipur becoming infamous for internecine violence, and
appealed to the people to unite and work to bring an end to such violence.
Women`s Forum for Cultural Foundation, ISKCON, separately held a
condolence meeting in the morning today where two minutes` silence was
observed in memory of the deceased victims.
The meeting also strongly condemned the bomb attack, and appealed
to all concerned against its repeat in the future.
A devotee carrying an injured boy who played the part of Sri Krishna
at the Ras Leela that was going on when the bomb blast occured.
Searching for the terrorists
As reported by the Sangai Express, "Outlawed militant group
Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) is suspected to be behind yesterday's
blast at ISKCON complex in Imphal, a senior Union Home Ministry
official said here today. Though none has claimed responsibility for
the blast which claimed four lives and left 66 others, including two
Americans, injured, the hand of KYKL is suspected, he said.
KYKL, which was formed over a decade ago, has been indulging in
extortions and are said to have demanded a hefty amount from the
ISKCON's chief priest. Refusal to pay the amount led to the lobbing of
"Chinese-make hand grenades" at the Sankirtan place from outside the
complex when the shrine was teeming with Janmasthami devotees, the
official said. He said the Centre was in constant touch with the
Manipur Chief Secretary and Director General of Police and reviewing
the situation from time to time."
An IFP report further explains, "The underground United National
Liberation Front and the Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak
have joined in the universal condemnation of yesterdays bomb attack on
the ISKCON congregation that killed four people and left nearly 50
others injured, categorically denouncing it as an act of terrorism.
The UNLF, in a statement issued by its senior publicity officer,
Ksh Yoiheiba, unequivocally distanced itself from the act, stating
that it has always condemned such terrorist activities.
Contending that the attack appears to be part of a campaign to
discredit the revolutionary organisations of Manipur before the
international community, the UNLF said the people of Manipur should be
ready to wipe out the elements responsible.
The UNLF also extended its condolences to the families of the
deceased as well as the injured.
The PREPAK, condemning the act in a separate statement, expressed
strong concern that the incident could result in the international
community misinterpreting the revolutionary movement. The PREPAK also
extended its sympathies to the families of the deceased and the injured."
Hindu American Foundation Condemns Bomb Attack on ISKCON Temple in
India
From a press release today: "The Hindu American Foundation (HAF)
strongly condemned the attack on the ISKCON temple in Imphal, in the
Northeastern State of Manipur, India. At least five people have died
and nearly 50 others injured. According to news reports, the bomb
exploded in the complex of the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness (ISKCON) in Imphal on the evening of August 16, 2006
when the temple was crowded with devotees observing the holy day of
Sri Krishna Janmasthami. Among the dead were a 10-year-old boy and a
70-year-old woman, and the chief priest of the ISKCON temple was
injured in the attack. Some reports have blamed Islamic terrorists for
the attack, and news agency reports have alluded to the separatist
movements in the region which may be behind the attack.
"Whoever is responsible for this knows that India and Hindus are
soft targets", said Ramesh Rao, HAF Executive Council Member. "This
attack on the ISKCON temple that serves all devotees and all visitors
with welcome arms is an example of the lengths that terrorists go to
undermine the fabric of India and to provoke religious and sectarian
conflict." Ishani Chowdhury, Executive Director, HAF remarked, "The
ISKCON temple attack is the latest in a series of attacks against
Hindus and Indian targets. In October 2005, we expressed shock at the
Delhi bombings that killed more than 60 people during the festival of
Deepavali (Diwali), and in March 2006, we were deeply dismayed at the
attack on the Sankat Mochan temple in Varanasi, which killed more than
20 people. The serial bombing of commuter trains in Mumbai in July
2006 that killed nearly 200 people is still fresh in our memory. The
Indian Government should reach out to all political parties in
crafting legislation that strengthens law enforcement agencies, and
defeat this scourge of terrorism and extremism rather than playing
politics with the lives of Indian citizens."