Muslims of Varanasi, and more notably the burkha clad womenfolk, came out on the streets and demonstrated against the recent bomb blasts in the city. They also demanded ‘fatwa’ against the perpetrators of terror.

The unique protest at the busy Lahurabir Crossing was from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It was a significant gesture, given that fingers are pointed at Muslims whenever there are terrorist acts. The previous day, the Muslims during their Friday prayers remembered the blast victims.

Organised by an NGO called Human Welfare Association, the protest dharna was held to condemn those behind the Varanasi blasts and the governments for their failure to contain such acts. Raising slogans like "Terrorists cannot break our unity", "Aatankwad Roko, Samaj Bachav (Stop Terrorism, Save Society)", "Bomb visfot band karo, Bachon ka bhavish bachav (Put a stop to bomb blasts, Save the future of our children)", the processionists were demanding immediate arrest of those behind the blasts. "We do not want terrorists’ designs to be successful. Their aim is to vitiate communal harmony in the country and that is the reason why this protest was organised," said Dr Rajnikant, who heads the NGO.

"We want Hindus and Muslims to condemn acts of terror and that explains why we have staged a dharna here," Naushaba, a Muslim lady, told HT at the dharna site.

"Since fingers are pointed at Muslim youth and in many such terror acts it has been established, we demand Muslim religious priests should announce fatwa against the terrorists," she said.

Echoing her sentiments, Hasina Begum also demanded fatwa against the terrorists behind the blasts. "Since fingers are pointed at Muslims, it is the responsibility of the Muslim religious heads to announce fatwa against them," Naushaba and Hasina Begum said in unison.

(Courtesy: Hindustan Times.)