Friday, January 22, 2010

TERRORIZED PICNIC

This is an old incident. Somewhere in the late seventies. The place is Kohima,the capital of Nagaland. Myself and one of my best friends (Ajith George) decided to go for a picnic. Just the two of us. We decided to go to a location which neither of us had seen. It was a small clearance in the beginning of a forest area. We brought some chocolates, bread, jam and some snacks. We also took a small kettle and necessary things to make some coffee. We started of around 8am. After walking for almost one hour we reached the location. There was no clear path or route. Being young we enjoyed the adventurous journey. After finding a good spot we sat down and started of with chocolates. The weather was cold and so we decided to make some coffee. We gathered some twigs and lighted a fire. At that point of time a stone whisked past my ears. We looked around but didn't see anyone. Both of us felt some fear. We put the kettle on fire when another stone came flying barely missing my friend's head. Our courage started melting. Suddenly it started raining heavily. We looked around for a few seconds and packed our things in a hurry and started running . It didn't take us much time to reach the main road. That was a time when some terror groups in Nagaland were in action.....of which we were quite unaware. Now, when I read or speak of terrorism this incident always comes into my mind. I sincerely doubt that we must have been near some terrorist hideout or practicing area. If not for our age and the heavy shower I wonder what would have happened. Fear still grips me when I think about the incident.

15 comments:

Rakesh Vanamali said...

It is sad to note the happenings in India's North East and how the region has become a haven for terrorism, much of which is sponsored by China!

man in painting said...

Nicely put.There was clarity.liked the way you detailed.Expected a little more elaboration
cheers!

Lena said...

I am glad that nothing had happened back then, but then it is very sad that terrorism was present back at that time, is present now and I guess will be present in the future...

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wildflower said...

life is not about the number of moments u breathe but the moments that take your breath away.. this one so did that :P

manoranjini said...

Now that's some adventure!But not one many would want to encounter.
It indeed is sad that some of the most beautiful parts of the country can no longer be enjoyed for what they are.

Old Monk said...

Rakesh
So true. But the funny side is that people residing in the region takes time to realize that such a disease is spreading unlike in J&K.

Old Monk said...

MIP
Thank you very much.

Old Monk said...

Lena
Welcome here. Yes,its sad to note the growth of terrorism.....lets hope it comes to an end sometime.

Old Monk said...

Wildflower
You are absolutely right....to be frank I don't remember whether we were breathing while on the run.

Old Monk said...

Manoranjini
You are right.....Nagaland is such a beautiful hill station....but terrorism has people thinking twice before planning a visit.

Arooj said...

don't you think that such unwanted moments realize us the worth of those moments that accompany us in daily peaceful life.
have a nice time

Old Monk said...

@heavenly muse
Sure...it is these kind of incidents which make us realize the value of peace.

manoranjini said...

long time ,no see ??

Old Monk said...

Manoranjini...Thanks for remembering me...I will be back soon.

aria said...

Quite scary indeed.. it does seem you had a narrow escape from some kind of lurking danger ..
One wonders how people live in terrorism/naxalism affected areas.. kudos to their strength and perseverance..
stay safe..