Save the Buddha Statues in Swat, Pakistan
It is disturbing that there is no writ of the government in Swat - otherwise a stunningly beautiful valley. Considering that the army is engaged in a battle with the militants in these areas, the Buddhist relics would be least of government’s priorities.
Yet, they are not unimportant. In fact, it is imperative that the government should protect them as a symbol of our rich past and to send a message to the lunatics who pretend that the cause of [their] Islam would be served. Nonsense - in this day and age and in an overwhelmingly Muslim majority area. What threat they pose and whose ‘eemaan’ is endangered?
It is painful to see how a bunch of extremists are pushing us towards that.
A dynamic and enlightened friend suggests that we should write here, here and UNESCO to register our protest. Notwithstanding the limited chances of any action or corrective measures, at least we would have made the effort!
Please also see my earlier plea[s]:
Death of Pakistani Culture, Our endangered heritage, Saving heritage, Architectural neglect
October 1st, 2007
in
History, War, heritage, Buddhist, All My Posts, On Pakistan, South Asian Art, World Artists, Pakistani Art |
October 1st, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Noble thoughts Raza, and an even nobler directive! Please let’s sign or else we’ll become apathetic bystanders to another shameful act in the history of our civilization!
October 1st, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Indeed, a noble idea, or they will be blown up as the Taliban did in Afghanistan, a stupid and useless act.
Ya Haqq!
October 1st, 2007 at 11:23 pm
what i can say abt your post is,
NERO FIDDLED WHILE ROME BURNED.
ppl are dying out there, they are made of flesh and blood, stones and scluptures come second.
i wudnt care if we had to demolish KABA in order to save precious lives.
October 2nd, 2007 at 3:24 am
To me a separation between religion and the state is a must. A state needs to offer proper education for her citizens and such education need to be liberal, tolerant and open. Once religion (Church, mullahs etc) is taking over, a country is on a lost course. All religions are based on holy words and doctrines and all differ due to interpretations (same in the Bible, same in the Quran etc) but all believers are sure that their interpretation is the only one. Result: unsolvable conflict among (true) believers.
Should have written more but pls refer to the French history before and after the French revolution. As more recent examples pls look into the Spanish, Portuguese and Ireland histories. U.S.A.? Religion seems to be back in the elites. Will be another lost course if common sense doesn’t strike back.
October 2nd, 2007 at 6:33 am
Its a scary situation - no writ of gov.
These jokers in Islamabad are worried only about themselves. Someone rightly said above NERO FIDDLED WHILE ROME BURNED
woh intzar tha jiska ye woh sahar to nahi
October 2nd, 2007 at 12:47 pm
It would be a grave crime if we fail to pass on our heritage to the future generations.
As directed, I have written to the three offices.
Perilous times these are, indeed.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:01 pm
Thanks for creating such a good site.
I was looking for Amrita preetam’s poems and landed here. it
your site is captivating!!!!!!!!
great job
October 3rd, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Thanks Raza for this , lets stop this madness!
Tuwan qatil key az behrey tamashan khun e man rezee
Manan bismil key zerey khanjar ey khun khar mi raqsam
Manam Usman e Harooni wa yar e shaikh e mansooram
Malamat mee kunad khalqey waman bardar mi raqsam
Thanks , keep dancing —–
November 30th, 2007 at 8:47 am
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