Dooms December

The sudden tragic death of Benazir Bhutto has caused a nation to erupt and burn into flames... Pakistan is currently considered as the most unstable nation and seems to have lost their way too many times now. But this shocking incident has made me think about how jinxed and tragic the month of December is... Circumstances has forced me to think about few incidents which has left a lasting impact in the lives of many that occured in what I call 'Dooms December'... There could be more disastrous events which took place in this dark month but this blog is just about some of those incidents which one can remember at the top of their minds... Atleast these tragic moments in world history will be remembered by me...

To start with, we have learnt about it in our history books and some would have been there to witness its mammoth effect in India. I am talking about the Indo - Pakistan War of 1971. Known to be one of the major conflicts between the two nations, the War's official hostilities commenced on the evening of December 3, 1971 and went on till December 16, 1971. This war eventually saw its end with Late Gen A.A.K.Niazi from the Pakistani military surrendering his forces to Late Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora. The outcome of the war saw Bangladesh gain independent status of a separate country. There was an estimated one to three million deaths which till date is considered as one of the highest recorded casualties ever since the World War II. The month of December had its so called 'Dooms' effect across the borders, while some were rejoicing victory others were crying over dead bodies and surrender.

In the early hours of December 3, 1984 at the very heart of the city of Bhopal in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh 40 tonnes of methyl isocyanate was released by a Union Carbide subsidiary pesticide plant killing about 20000 people. We all know this unfortunate disaster as the Bhopal Gas Tradegy. Considered as the one of the world's worst industry disasters, this incident ruined the atmosphere of the city and till date the effects can be witnessed. Though there were investigations on possible sabotage and numerous legal procedures following the disaster not much can be done to the fact that even today one person dies due to the effect. There is an estimated 120,000 people still facing numerous health hazards in regards to the unexpected disaster. Not many people in Bhopal would have celebrated the new years that year with a warm welcome. With loved ones gone for ever and people yet suffering the consequences, the December jinx seemed to have played its cards yet again.

Demolition of a mosque laying at a holy hindu site. Yes, I am talking about the shocking Babri Masjid Demolition on December 6, 1992. It is known that the mosque was built by the first Mughal emperor of India, Babur in Ayodhya in the 16th century. The mosque stood at Ramkhot Hill the birth place of Lord Ram which was considered as a holy site. During a planned ceremony about 150,000 hindu activists destroyed the mosque even though there was a committment with the Supreme Court to never harm the mosque. This lead to hostile situations in many parts of the country. This tragic incident even sparked the burning down of the Sabarmati express in Gujarat in Feb 2002. Not many muslims around the nation will have sweet memories of this very day and yet again the devastating effect of December struck hard.

While the world was celebrating christmas eve and making arrangements to welcome the new millenium, passengers of the Indian Airlines Flight IC - 814 were thinking otherwise. How can the nation forget the sudden hijack of the flight by 5 terrorists on December 24, 1999. The flight was hijacked between Kathmandu and Delhi, which was landed by the terrorits in Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai and eventually Kandahar. The incident saw the death of Rupin Katyal and created panic amongst the other hostages. Eventually the hijackers released the hostages but to a what will be considered as a costly exchange. They were freed in exhange of the release of three muslim extremists. Considered as the longest hijacking in aviation history, the government was exposed and loopholes clearly came into the light. One major lapse by the Indian Government was their failure to stop the hijackers at Amritsar. On December 31, 1999 Maulana Masood Azhar, Mustaq Ahmed Zagar and Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh were exchanged for the release of the passengers. But the question posed to the Indian government is, was it a wise decision because there were reports that these three extremists were actively involved in the September 9/11 attacks. Yet another December aftermath, left the families of the passengers in tears. A lot question that had the government taken some action in Amritsar they could have saved Rupin Katyal and not let the then recently married lady become a widow in no time.

The tension between India and Pakistan always seems to create some unexpected incidents in various timelines. December 13, 2001 one such day which the history of the Indian Parliament would like to forget, when it was attacked by Pakistan based Kashmiri terrorists in New Delhi. Known as the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, it lead to death of dozens of people and increased tensions between the two nations. Though the attack was not as brutal as some of the Indo-Pak wars and conflicts, this attack on the Indian government lead to greater hostility which would not have helped either of the nations in any way. The pressure of this attack and the rage was clearly reflected in the Godhra riots of 2002. This prolong tension just saw a stand off in 2002 in what will go in the history of India as the worst riots ever faced. The December attack on the parliament was definitely planned and the devil of the month ruled once again.

When man-made disasters occur they destroy livelihood, but when god created natural disasters occur they destroy an entire civilization. The December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake which occured triggering a series of tsunamis along the coast of landmasses bordering the Indian Ocean, killed more than 225,000 in 11 countries. Considered as the biggest natural disaster in the history of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and India, the tsunami is known as the Boxing Day Tsunami. Registering a magnitude of 9.1 and 9.3 the tsunami destroyed millions of lives and homes which left the world at a state of shock. Deaths came even in the form of different epidemics that occured due to lack of clean drinking water and lack of food. Millions were left homeless and they had to restart their lives. Places in the southern part of India faced some deep consequences and washed away lives with its massive water force. The satan of December came big this time with its impact almost destroying civilizations.

One of the most controversial political figures of the world saw his end on December 30, 2006. We are talking about none other than the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Though his death was known to the world, the aftereffects and protests ruined a lot of lives in muslim countries across the globe. Saddam Hussein was executed for charges related to the execution of 148 Shi'ities suspected of planning an assasination against him. The leader was sentenced to death, but along with his death aroused massive controversies on that very day and there were mammoth protests in different pockets of the world. The death of Saddam Hussein brought major loss in life in Iraq and the nation was immersed in pools of tears rather than celebrations of the new year. Yet another attack by the December jinx in world history.

Finally, December 27, 2007 saw the end of the Daughter of East Benazir Bhutto. One of the most shocking loss in the international political circuit. Benazir Bhutto's death has brought a nation to flames. With violence striking hard in different pockets of Pakistan, the nation has lost its complete stability. With controversies looming large around her death and her road to initiate democracy in Pakistan, millions of admirers will be mourning and praying for her soul to rest in peace. Considered as one of the powerful political women in the world, this surely is a tragic loss for Pakistan and for the world of Politics. The devil of December once again showed its true colours and brought the end of what could have been a most promising political era for Pakistan. Has the December jinx cost a nation its peace ?

So, the devil of December seems to strike with massive force destroying the core existance of humans, mental peace. This month of disasters and unsought for tragedies has left the world in bloodshed, tears and destruction over the years. Not much can be done about destiny but it seems more like destiny plays an evil game at the end of a year. Whether the December jinx will erupt again in future no one can predict. Its only time that can reveal and unfold the many more tragedies that could be on its route to destruction. As, humans we can only pray that the devil reign comes to an end and peace takes over soon. It would be a blessing for every soul existing across the globe if ever there were to be lasting peace on earth.

Tragic tale of two countries

Some of the most influencial political figures of India and Pakistan have over the years been a prey to tragic ends. Whether it was Pakistan's first prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan or the founder of Pakistan People's Party(PPP), Zulfikar Bhutto, the first women Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi or General Zia-Ul-Haq, the second prime minister of Gandhi family, Rajiv Gandhi or the daughter of the east, Benazir Bhutto, all of them created massive fervours in their life span and left a lasting impact in the minds of millions of cilivians across the borders.

This Blog is a brief insight into the lives of six South Asian leaders who were destined to face a tragic death.

Liaquat Ali Khan - (Oct 2, 1896 - Oct 16, 1951) Known as Shaheed-e-Millat (Martyr of a nation), Liaquat Ali Khan was one of the most prominent politicians in Pakistan. He was the first Prime Minister of the country who till date is considered to be the leader who provided a guiding light to the nation in its early years. Known for his extensive negotiations with the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, over Kashmir, Liaquat Ali Khan was fated to see his tenure come to an end in the most unsought manner. On October 16, 1951, Liaquat was shot twice in the chest by a man who was seated in the audience just about 15 yards away, while he was at a public meeting in Rawalpindi. Till date the exact motive behind his assasination hasnt come out from the darkness that looms around his death. The Municipal Park was renamed Liaquat Bagh park in his honour. It is said that the last words had been, "May God keep Pakistan safe". Well it seems obvious though that his prayers have not been heard yet.

Zulfikar Bhutto - (January 5, 1928 - April 4, 1979) Referred to as Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, this great politician and father of Late Benazir Bhutto served both as a President and Prime Minister of Pakistan. He was the founder of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) which today is one of the most influential parties present in the political circuit of the nation. Bhutto's death was the most controversial. Though he did not fall prey to open air gun shots, he found himself trapped in a foul play. Bhutto was executed following a controversial trial for charges of conspiracy to murder a political opponent. It was very evident at that time that the move was largely under the directives of General Zia-Ul-Haq. Politics to rule a nation is acceptable but politics within the league of politicians absolutely unacceptable.

Indira Gandhi - (November 19, 1917 - October 31, 1984) India's only female Prime Minister till date, Indira Gandhi was known for her ruthless tact for politics when she lead India from the front. The lady faced it all whether it was the Bangladesh war or the Emergency or even a victory in the re-elections. No one ever expected her to be slayed by her own body guards. Indira Gandhi was eventually assasinated due to her increasing involvment against Operation Blue Star and escalating conflicts with the sepratists in Punjab. Know to all, Indira was riddled with bullets by her own body guards machine gun, which definitely came as a major shock to the nation. The lady though is still saluted for her contribution to Indian politics and her guts is cherished till date.

Zia-Ul-Haq - (August 12, 1924 - August 17, 1988) General Zia-Ul-Haq ruled Pakistan for 11 years. In his times he overthrew Bhutto in a military coup and took over control to lead Pakistan. He was the president and military ruler of Pakistan. His martial law rule brought about n number of controversies which loomed over the nation for a long time. Though Zia did not fall victim to open assasination, his sudden death left many questions unanswered. Zia was killed in a mysterious air crash which saw the end of his 11 year rule over pakistan along with his death. Though controversies have been pilled in regards to his death, the circumstances till date reamins unclear.

Rajiv Gandhi - (August 20, 1944 - May 21, 1991) Carrying over the responsibilty left by his mother Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi went on to be the second Prime Minister from the Gandhi family. Known for some great contributions towards the country like modernizing communications, expanding science and technology and improving relations with United States, Rajiv Gandhi's assasination come through as yet another shock to the nation. His ongoing conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) brought about his death. The animosity was so deep that he was assasinated by a suicide bomber at a political rally in Sriperumbudur. In honour of the great man himself, a Rajiv Gandhi memorial was built which attract many tourists and his followers as well till date.

Benazir Bhutto - (June 21, 1953 - December 27, 2007) Daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and also known as the Daughter of the East, saw her end in a tragic assasination. The two-time Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Bhutto was a powerful and charasmatic leader with a strong view of getting the nation to a road to democracy. After a eight year exile, she marked her return to voice her views and lead the nation from the front. But bitterness kept on building around her presence which eventually led to her assasination. The assasin shot three bullets at her chest, head and neck at a political rally in Rawalpindi. Followed which he blew himself up killing over 30 people. Though the Al-Qaida claims to be responsible for her death, fingers will definitely be pointed on others as well.

Both India and Pakistan have been in the thick of political conflicts for a very long time. Ever since the partition of Hindustan into India and Pakistan the rivalry between the nations has thickened. Though there have been peace talks between leaders, dark clouds still loom over the Indian sub-continent. When such is the state of the two countries it becomes even more horrific with such sudden deaths of some of the most looked upon people in the national circuit. The death of all these leaders would have left a lasting impact in the minds of many. Supporters of their views will always keep their beliefs alive while opposers will try hard to let their views get burried along with their graves.