Another Bamiyan-style vandalism in Pakistan

WhamBam · 11-11-2007, 04:18 AM

Quote:

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI: In a re-run of the horrible vandalism that destroyed the Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan, Pakistani Taliban rebels have carried out a second attack on a historic 40-metre tall Buddha statue in the Swat valley, destroying the head, shoulders and feet. The rebels have threatened a third and final attack on the statue to reduce it to rubble.

The world had shuddered with horror at the blasting of the Bamiyan statues. Yet another such act is happening in Pakistan and the Musharraf regime seems helpless to prevent it. Said president of Asia Society Vishakha N Desai: "Political and cultural leaders from around the world had condemned the destruction of the Bamiyan statues in 2001, yet in Pakistan the same disaster is being repeated."

The problem is that the writ of Pervez Musharraf no longer runs in Swat, a picturesque tourist centre 200 km northwest of Islamabad, that has now been overrun by Islamic fundamentalists led by Mullah Fazlullah, known as ‘Mullah Radio’ because of the FM propaganda radio station that he runs.

The radio station, apart from giving orders to people, justifies acts that fly against civilised norms as understood in the 21st century, like the destruction of the statues, closure of girls schools, destruction of Indian music shops and beating up of barbers who shave beards.

Swat, falling in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province, has a priceless Buddhist heritage. The Harmarajika stupa in Taxila and Butkarha stupa in Swat were among the earliest stupas of Gandhara — an ancient kingdom consisting of modern-day Peshawar, Taxila, Swat and, according to some historians, parts of Kashmir.

These stupas had been erected on the orders of Emperor Ashoka and contained real relics of the Buddha. The Gandhara school is credited with the first representation of the Buddha in human form.

Adriana Propser of Asia Society in New York, said: "The art of the Gandhara area shows the impact of Hellenistic and Roman influence through the conquests of Alexander. Any destruction of archeological and artistic sites here are an enormous loss for mankind, especially for those who treasure historical records and rare works of art."

Link: Another Bamiyan-style vandalism in Pakistan-Pakistan-World-The Times of India

Is there any difference between the Taliban rule in Afghanistan and the Pak frontier areas?

Should the frontier of the WOT be extented to this frontier by the USA led coalition?

What is it about the religion of "peace and tolerance" that causes its followers to destroy other's religious sites with such ease while screaming blue murder for every perceived slight for themselves?

Pl. discuss.

WhamBam · 11-11-2007, 04:28 AM

Even the supposed moderate Pakistanis and Muslims condemn this incident by saying that there was no need to destroy them as no one was worshiping them. Implying thereby that it was OK if they were being worshiped.

My heart aches to think that this pious land which once reverberated with the holy chants of Vedic and Boddhic scriptures is in the grip of such barbarians. Remember this is not Arabian desert but the birth place of one of the most glorious and oldest civilizations in history. This land was the site of the most glorious civilizations before being run over by these barbarians.

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11-11-2007, 04:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
WhamBam Contributor Join Date: 02-27-07 Location: India Posts: 657 Country:	Even the supposed moderate Pakistanis and Muslims condemn this incident by saying that there was no need to destroy them as no one was worshiping them. Implying thereby that it was OK if they were being worshiped. My heart aches to think that this pious land which once reverberated with the holy chants of Vedic and Boddhic scriptures is in the grip of such barbarians. Remember this is not Arabian desert but the birth place of one of the most glorious and oldest civilizations in history. This land was the site of the most glorious civilizations before being run over by these barbarians.

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