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Manipur Blast Update
Aug 17, MANIPUR, INDIA (SUN) — Following is a compilation of reports from various news sources about the Manipur ISKCON temple blast on Janmastami. Source citations are included at the end of the article.
A deadly Janmastami day attack took place at approximately 7:00
p.m. at the ISKCON temple campus on the Airport road at Sangaiprou,
Imphal. The attack brought Janmastami celebrations to a bloody end.
An unidentified attacker hurled a Chinese hand grenade into a
crowded mandap where a Rasalila performance was taking place. The bomb
exploded mid-way through a Rasalila performance. A sound like that of
a firecracker was heard at the eastern side of the mandap. The grenade
was apparently thrown just after a firecracker exploded on the other
side of the mandap.
According to devotees, the explosive was lobbed from the
Southeastern side of the complex, and the attacker escaped into the
crowd immediately afterwards in the ensuing confusion. Following the
blast, thousands of people ran helter skelter away from the scene, and
many of the injured were hurt in the stampede. All the nearby stall
owners also ran for their lives.
One devotee sitting on the Southern side was killed on the spot,
and scores of others were injured. Among the injured devotees were
Bryan Nash of the US (admitted to RIMS) and Radhika Pyari devi dasi of
Iran. Radhika Pyari devi had apparently been granted Indian
citizenship. She was admitted to Shija Hospital. Reports were also
received from Joseph Meade and Jivanuga dasa of California, who
arrived only yesterday to celebrate Janmathami with the Manipur
devotees. Prabhu Damodara Swami was also watching the Rasalila
performance. He was injured mostly on his hands by splinters from the
grenade blast.
Temple authorities estimated that approximately 20, 0000 devotees
had gathered for the Janmashtami festival, which is one of the biggest
religious events in Manipur. The ISKCON temple is one of the largest
shrines in the Imphal Valley, which is predominantly inhabited by
Vashnavite Manipuris.
An intelligence official said an unidentified group had warned
ISKCON officials not to hold the Janmastami festival on Wednesday,
when the rest of the country marked one of its biggest festivals. No
monetary demand had been made to temple authorities. The intelligence
officer said the attack may have been carried out by one of the local
groups as part of a campaign to revive indigenous Hindu practices and
discourage new religious movements like ISKCON.
Choked with emotion, ISKCON devotees noted that the perpetrators
of such a ghastly crime will face the wrath of God. They also
questioned the rationale of killing devotees and innocent people.
Devotees injured in the blast
One devotee victim is identified as Bir Kumar (74) of Khagempalli
Huidrom Leikai. He was also known as Jitendra dasa. Bir Kumar prabhu
was in ISKCON for the last 10 years. He died at the spot of the blast.
The dead included one minor boy of 8 to 10 years old and an
elderly member of ISKCON. The child has been identified as Wangkhem
(Wahengbam) Anil, son of W. Naba of W Nabadwip, Sangaiprou Mamang
Leikai. He apparently died while being evacuated to the hospital
Another victim who passed away at the Regional Institute of
Medical Sciences (RIMS) has been identified as Dr K Binodkumar of
Kwakeithel Akham Leikai, aged 65. A fourth victim also passed away at
Shija Hospital is identified as Anaom Blondin (12) son of A. Bobby of
Lalambung Takhellambam Leikai. He died at Shija Hospital, Langol.
Temple President, Swami Damodara sustained injuries on the right
hand and was been admitted to Shija Hospital.
Officials reports said there were 27 serious cases among the
injured, including a male American. Doctors at RIMS Hospital,
Lamphelpat and the Shija Hospital, Langol were hard-put to cope with
the rush of dead and injured in the aftermath of the blast. 'We have
attended to 34 people including three Americans, one of whom was
operated upon,' said Bobby Singh, a doctor at the hospital.
Immediately after the blast, police and medical teams rushed to
the site to render assistance and evacuate the wounded to hospital. Of
those injured, the condition of at least four was critical. At least
10 children were hurt, most by shrapnel and splinters that tore
through their arms and legs. A list of nearly 40 injured devotees follows.
Officials react to the blast
Immediately after the blast, special police of Imphal West rushed
to the ISKCON temple complex, along with commando teams and troops of
Maratha LI. Police recovered the lever of the explosive device. Later
DGP AK Parashar and other top officials of police came to the temple
and inspected the site.
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh strongly condemned the incident,
calling it a cowardly act. He also said ex-gratia would be given to
the next of kin of the deceased, and all assistance given to the wounded.
Speaking to reporters at RIMS hospital, a visibly upset Minister
Singh said there was no question of a security lapse at the temple,
and he refused to speculate as to who was responsible for the attack
until a thorough investigation could be conducted. He said that the
Government will leave nothing to chance to book the killers and give
them fitting punishment.
Security at Manipur's biggest shrine, the Sri Govindaji temple,
was tightened following the ISKCON blast. Govindaji is another shrine
where thousands of devotees gathered on Janmasthami night.
Official ISKCON statement
by Anuttama dasa ISKCO Communications Minister
Posted August 17, 2006
Manipur, India - A Krishna temple operated by the International
Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was the victim of a bomb
blast at approximately 7:00 pm India time on Wednesday, August 16th.
Over a thousand worshippers were celebrating Janmastami, the most
sacred observance of the year for devotees of Krishna, at a temple in
the state of Manipur, in the northeast region of India. Unknown
assailants threw a hand grenade into a crowd of people sitting under a
large tent outside of the temple, watching a religious dance
performance depicting Lord Krishna's pastimes.
A second grenade, which did not go off, was found an hour later in
the most crowded area of the temple, near an altar bearing sacred
images of Krishna. According to ISKCON spokespersons in Manipur, four
people, including a young girl, are confirmed dead. Approximately 36
people were injured, including five foreign nationals. An eight-year
old girl, who had been playing the part of Krishna on stage when the
bomb exploded, is among those severely injured. The troupe's dance
teacher lost his leg in the blast.
"We are sickened and greatly saddened by this horrible, vicious
act," said Anuttama Dasa, ISKCON's Minister of Communications. "The
victims were innocent devotees of God. There is no excuse for such
wanton acts of violence. We pray for the victims and their families,
and we pray that Lord Krishna will soon lift the terrible veil of
hatred and violence that is covering our world."
Among the injured, His Holiness Bhakti Svarupa Damodara Swami, an
ISKCON leader in Manipur, was taken to a hospital, where he remains in
stable condition.
Victims are being treated in several area hospitals. Indian Army
and government officials are trying to arrange a special morning air
flight from Manipura to Calcutta, where better emergency care
facilities are available. Otherwise, victims will have to wait for a
regularly scheduled afternoon flight from the remote State in
northeast India.
According to the police, no militant groups or individuals have
claimed responsibility for the bombing. The temple building did not
sustain any damage.
We will endeavor to keep you updated as events develop.
Your servant,
Anuttama dasa ISKCON Communications Minister
Contact: Anuttama Dasa, Communications Minister - (301) 299-9707;
info@icinternational.org
Vineet Chander, North American spokesperson - (201) 925-4973;
vineetchander@yahoo.com
Militant groups
Manipur is part of India's remote and turbulent northeast,
including seven states which are home to more than two dozen
separatist groups and over 200 tribals and ethnic communities. The
majority community in Manipur, the Meitis, are predominantly Vaishnavites.
Manipur is home to 19 rebel groups, who make demands ranging from
secession to autonomy. Most of the groups belong to the Meiti community.
The underground Revolutionary People`s Front (RPF) reported that
it had nothing to do with the bomb attack at the ISKCON complex. A
spokesperson for that organisation contacted the media to report that
the group strongly condemned the bomb attack and considered such
attacks on a place of worship a thoughtless and cowardly.
The All Manipur Students Union, AMSU, also strongly condemned the
bomb attack, calling it an act of terrorism.
Hindu Forum of Britain condemns terror attack on ISKCON Temple
The following statement was given by the Hindu Forum of Britain:
"The Hindu Forum of Britain has strongly condemned the bomb attack
on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Temple
in Imphal which killed at least five and injured several others during
the festival of Janmastami to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.
The attacks took place yesterday when the ISKCON Temple in Watford
in UK was holding prayers for victims of war and terror with a human
chain.
"It is sad that at almost exactly the same moment when children
were holding hands to pray for victims of terror at 2pm in our temple
in UK, terrorists were exploding bombs in our temple in India to kill
and maim," said Gauri Dasa, president of the Bhaktivedanta manor
ISKCON Temple in Watford which is hosting the largest Hindu festival
outside India.
"We had organised this prayer to show our solidarity to all those
who are suffering, but the terrorist agenda seems to disregard all
humane considerations."
The festival, which attracts over 75,000 people over two days, is
marked by costumes, bazaars, plays, singing, dancing, multimedia
shows, meditation walks and other shows. The highlight of the festival
is a human chain to pray for the victims of terror and war.
Hindu Forum of Britain Secretary General Ramesh Kallidai also
condemned the attack, saying "terrorism is a real challenge for
countries like India, Britain and the USA."
Calling the attack, "deplorable and shameful", he said the
perpetrators "targeted a peaceful community offering prayers to god"
and added that "the international community need to rally behind India
in its fight against terror". "
Following is a partial list of the injured devotees:
1. Oinam (O) Kunjalata (48) W/o Profullo of Kwakeithel Akham
Leikai
2. Khoisnam Rojesh (11) S/o, Indubhushan of Malom Awang Leikai
3. RK. Singhajit (73) of New Delhi
4. Lakshmipriya (50) of USA
5. Brahmacharimayum Gopal Sharma (60) S/o, (L) Thakudhan of
Kwakeithel
6. Manik Laishram Devi (22) D/o, ES Laishram
7. Gunija (52)
8. Manihar (65) of Malom
9. Sumitra Devi (50) W/o, (L) Basantakumar Wangkhem of Porompat
10. H Nganbi Devi (35)of Sangaiprou
11. H Sushila Devi (36) of Sangaiprou
12. W Khurai Leima (84) of Mekola
13. Wahengbam Nabachandra (10) of Heirangoithong
14. Murari Das (32) of ISKCON
15. P Rajendrakumar (70) of Kwakeithel
16. Sapam Ibohal Singh (65) S/o, Gouramani of Kwakeithel
Tiddim Ground
17. Bhakta Singh (45) of Keishamthong Hodam Leirak
18. Thiyam Gambir Singh (65) of Sega Road Takhellambam Leikai
19. Oinam Ichan (9) D/o, Newton of Kwakeithel
20. Thangjam Ranjita (24) D/o, Rajmani of Langzing Achouba
21. Lukram (o) Malemnganbi (64) W/o, Nimaichand of
Naoremthong Khullem Leikai
22. Kangujam Ibemcha Devi
23. Konjengbam Manihar Singh (50) S/o, (L) Paka of Hodam Leirak
24. Irengbam Gouramani (70) of Khagempalli Panthak
25. Thoudam (o) Ibecha (60) W/o, Lokhon of Ghari Awang Leikai
26. Laishram Shanta (26) D/o, L Chaoba of Thanga
27. Maisnam Madhumangol (67) S/o, Ibotombi of Lalambung Makhong
28. Wahengbam Naba (36) S/o, (L) Amutombi of Keishamthong
Top Leirak
29. Kabita Kajuriya (36) W/o, Sanju Kajuriya of Maharastra
presently Thangal Bazar
30. Sh. Manglembi (60) W/o, Sh Jayanta
31. Moirangthem Ashnikumar (37) S/o, M Chaoba of Changangei
32. Miss L Sarda Devi of Thanga
33. Shiddhish Irom (28) S/o, S Lalit of Keishamthong Hodam
Leirak
34. Bhakti Swarup Damodar Swami (69) of Toubul
35. Soram Gunija (51) W/o, IS Laishram of Lamphel
36. Manika
37. Sobita of Sangaiprou
38. Mrs. Ibemhal of Lalambung
News sources quoted in this report:
The Imphal Free Press
Times of India
Indo-Asian News
Reuters
Sangai Express
Hindu Forum of Britain ISKCON Communications
Letter from Svarupa Damodar Swami, Manipur
Dear Devotees,
I pray for Srila Prabhupada's and Lord Krishna's blessings upon you.
We are sorry for the sad news from ISKCON Manipur incident. It is due to
the unlimited blessings of Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra that the
causalities are relatively less. We sincerely pray for the departed
souls and for speedy recovery of the injured.
I was supposed to attend URI Global Council Tele conference call when
the incident happened. I was delaying to attend the call in order to
give company to the important guests and devotees during the Rasalila
Performance. I am sitting together with important guests and devotees
when the hand grenade was exploded in the pandal. Bhojdeva Prabhu was
sitting near to me and he was severely injured. M. M. Singh, and his
wife are also sitting near me and got injured. But their grandson
could not survive.
Also a devotee who was initiated as Brahmin yesterday also could not
survive. The child who was playing the role of Lord Krishna was also
injured. Liladra Mataji from New York but presently staying in
Vrindavan (yesterday initiated as 'Lakshmipriya Devi Dasi'); Kavita
Mataji (Indian, staying in Swiss, (yesterday initiated as 'Kritida
Devi Dasi')and about 30 to 40 local and visiting devotees also got
injured. All of them are getting medical treatment in the hospitals. I
am also still in the hospital. A chunk of flesh was removed from my
hand. About 10:00 AM today, there will be surgery for myself, Bhojdev,
Lakshmipriya, Kritida and others who are injured.
It was again by the blessings of the Lord that an earlier attempt (5
minutes before the blast in pandal) was not successful. A bomb was
thrown into the main temple but did not explode. Had that been
exploded inside the temple the causalities would be hundreds.
Ramachandra Das saw some stone-like thing coming inside the temple
with some sparks but he could not understand at that time.
All this reminds us the words of scriptures and the saintly people
that this place is full of danger and we should be serious in pursuing
the purpose of our human life. Please pray for the departed souls, and
for the speed recovery of those who are injured, especially Bhojdeva
Prabhu (by his symptoms we are confident that his life will be saved).
Please observe nice Janmastami and Vyasapuja of Srila Prabhupada. Hare
Krishna!
Your well-wisher Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami |
