Terror: A freedom fight?
A tragedy is always followed by a show of human resilience. And life in London is slowly but steadily normalising, writes Nabanita Sircar.
The 7/7 bombings have had a deep-seated effect on every Londoner. A nagging fear of an impending doom lurked in most minds after 9/11. We were constantly being warned that a terrorist attack was imminent and it was the underground tube system that was the most sensitive target. And that Thursday morning, nothing could prevent it from happening.
In the aftermath of the dreadful tragedy, Britain is trying to tighten anti-terrorism laws and deal with extremist Islamists. But a survey claims Blair's involvement in the Iraq war was responsible for the tragedy. I do not seem to find much logic behind that. Were all those innocent victims supporters of the Iraq war? Probably not. They are no longer alive to be asked. And, what was 9/11 about? No Afghanistan or Iraq had happened then. Look at Iraq too; it's the Muslims - Shias and Sunis - who are busy blowing up each other. I am no supporter for the Iraq war, but trying to give moral justification to barbaric acts is appalling.
Of course, I must also remember that one man's terrorism is another's freedom fight, at least, that seems to be the idea some Conservatives believe in. The party's vice-chairwoman actually suggested new anti-terror laws should not stop support for "freedom fighters" in Kashmir. Sayeeda Warsi, compared 'rebels' fighting Indian control of the disputed province claimed by Pakistan to Nelson Mandela's ANC.
She actually has the temerity or maybe sheer ignorance to say, "It would concern me if ... the definition of terrorism was to cover maybe (the) legitimate freedom-fight in Kashmir.'' Like me, many have been shocked and angered by her twisted argument.
Now, isn't the Home Office planning to make "indirect incitement to commit terrorist acts", an offence? Indirect incitement could include "people who seek to glorify terrorism acts, perhaps by saying: 'Isn't it marvellous this has happened; these people are martyrs.' " Such comments could be seen as an "endorsement of terrorism." If that is the case, then probably Ms Warsi ought to be questioned under these new laws.
Anyway, a tragedy is always followed by a show of human resilience. And that happened in London. Life is slowly but steadily normalising. On Sunday over 25,000 people participated in the 37th London "Ratha-yatra Carnival of Chariots". The annual Hare Krishna festival marked London's multicultural and multi-faith community. Three 40-foot high colourful chariots carrying the deities of Lord Jagannatha, Lady Subhadra and Lord Balarama were hand-pulled from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square by a 4,000-strong procession, accompanied by singers, musicians, and dancers.
At Trafalgar Square, where the procession came to an end, the three chariots were lined up against the British Gallery, while festivalgoers participated in a cultural and educational fair. Tourists and passers-by trouped in for free Indian vegetarian meals.
Only a few days ago thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square for a vigil ceremony for the victims of 7/7. Many found the rath yatra uplifting after the recent trauma. A Londoner who came with his girlfriend said, "It's so nice to see the colours and smiles on everyone's faces." That's life!
Basere se dur, terrorism can never be a freedom struggle!
