Lifeless statues

Years ago, when the Taliban destroyed the Bamiyan Buddhas, I was heartbroken. A few countries made some noises but the medieval goons paid no heed. But when the USA was attacked on 9/11, the superpower was enraged enough to make a grand entry into Afghanistan in search of bin Laden and his army. The Taliban had to beat a retreat, and ordinary Afghans began to have some semblance of normalcy.

Now 20 years later, when the US left Afghans to their own devices and the Taliban pounced on the hapless citizens once again, a picture showed up in my FB newsfeed. Afghanistan before and after - Bamiyan with the Buddha scultpure in the rock and then gored and empty, and cheerful girls in frocks as against zombie women moving in blue burqas.

And then I felt I shouldn't worry about the Bamiyan Buddha anymore - for it was only a lifeless statue. Instead, I make silent prayers for Afghanistan's women - for they have life but will be rendered as statues. To be sold, to become sex slaves or just exist as lesser beings in one hell on earth. As videos of men scrambling into flights - leaving women to devoured by the vultures - emerge, one wonders if aeroplanes have become like buses or trains in India.

God save Afghanistan.