I hold an American passport. Having worked with immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, most of the time I feel very blessed to have it. It opens the doors to any number of wonderful things. To someone from a war ravaged country, it means peace and stability, for someone from a developing country, it means a chance for an education or maybe a job that pays enough to feed your family.
But today, holding an American passport means I can't go on an amazing trip to the north western part of India otherwise known as Jammu and Kashmir.
For those of you who don't know, some film maker made a movie that's very offensive to Muslims. I won't go into the details because you can find them online. But the majority of people in the Jammu Kashmir region are Muslims. Somehow this has translated into demonstrations against the US, attacks on Americans, and flag and effigy burning. The Grand Mufti of Jammu Kashmir (a religious leader, I think) has told US citizens that they should leave the region. The US State department has issued a travel warning for US citizens to leave the region.
Chances are, since I would be traveling with an Indian family, I would be fine. But I have to get permission as a foreigner to enter the region and I'm afraid they would either deny me entry or make us wait for three days in Shrinigar completely throwing off the road trip schedule.
Madhukar very nicely offered to let me go anyway and risk the trip disruption, but I can't screw up someone else's family vacation and even potentially put them in danger.
So I'm not going.
:(
But today, holding an American passport means I can't go on an amazing trip to the north western part of India otherwise known as Jammu and Kashmir.
For those of you who don't know, some film maker made a movie that's very offensive to Muslims. I won't go into the details because you can find them online. But the majority of people in the Jammu Kashmir region are Muslims. Somehow this has translated into demonstrations against the US, attacks on Americans, and flag and effigy burning. The Grand Mufti of Jammu Kashmir (a religious leader, I think) has told US citizens that they should leave the region. The US State department has issued a travel warning for US citizens to leave the region.
Chances are, since I would be traveling with an Indian family, I would be fine. But I have to get permission as a foreigner to enter the region and I'm afraid they would either deny me entry or make us wait for three days in Shrinigar completely throwing off the road trip schedule.
Madhukar very nicely offered to let me go anyway and risk the trip disruption, but I can't screw up someone else's family vacation and even potentially put them in danger.
So I'm not going.
:(
Oh Carrie, I'm so sorry. I know how much you were looking forward to that trip. It sounds like a good call...but a loss nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteYes maybe I can fly up there when Becky gets here.
DeleteI am so sorry! I do feel better knowing you are safe. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, safety is important... and I would prefer not to get torn apart by an angry mob.
DeleteI agree! No tearing of my sister in any way, please. But I am sorry you can't go on your awesome trip...sounds like it would have been fantastic. :(
DeleteI think it's a prudent decision - good call. Sorry about the loss of your trip though :(.
ReplyDeleteThat is too bad :(. Glad you aren't going somewhere unsafe though.
ReplyDeleteI am sad that you missed out on something, but honestly relieved that you did not go. I want you home, safely. Don't make me have to start writing Bill Clinton to try to come and save your ass. I mean, I will come, but I won't like it...one little bit :)
ReplyDelete