A low-medium intensity blast occurred on December 7th in Varanasi during the evening Ganga Aarti (Hindu religious prayer); a few days after the SJPD group was coincidentally at the same location to witness how the Aarti is practiced. Two individuals were killed and 20 injured; a stampede that occurred after the blast was a contributor to the numbers affected.
The Indian Mujahideen(IM) is a terrorist group which is Pakistan-based, and is strongly believed to be the culprit of this event.
It is very shocking to know that such an event happened only a few days after our visit in Varanasi, and at the same location we were at. It is interesting to note that the IM targeted such a touristy location and set the blast during the Ganga Aarti; stirring up a lot of controversy.
What some people do to get their voices heard is heartbreaking but reality at the same time.
Share a smile with someone because it can go a long way.
Jonathan Steinwand
jnoelgac
ksmeerki
Alex Christensen
blvue
jerichowestendorf
Rachel Mathiowetz
jfreetly
devaneylbuffalo
julioc348
Megan Wilkes
kibberson
tnlegatt
alandave
kateolsen4
jmariebraun
wadeunderwood
