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1000 Afghan Deaths Recorded in Manchester Stop the War Ceremony |
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Reports of Events and Activities
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Friday, 21 November 2008 14:39 |
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From across the city over one hundred people from all walks of life each wrote out ten names of casualties in  the Afghanistan war. In a ceremony last Thursday (23/10/08) on Manchester's Market St a display of the one thousand names was constructed to commemorate the deaths of Afghan people as well as the British and American soldiers killed in the war, now in its seventh year. Cllr Afsal Khan joined the ceremony, with Lily Walker from Military Families Against the War and Nahella Ashraf STWC
While poppy day ceremonies remember the soldiers who have lost their lives in the wars since WW1, including the 300 who have died in the Iraq and Afghan wars, the Afghanistan's civilian casualties have been largely forgotten. They are not even counted even though the war is supposed to be to help the Afghan people.
'When I wrote out ten names I just cracked up and burst into tears' explained Simon from Chorlton, "there were four children from one family all killed and I have four of my own. It just came home to me, the casualties are real people not just numbers'.
Labour Cllr Afsal Khan, one of Manchester's leading anti racist campaigners visited the display. "I am glad to be here' he said. Representatives of the Green Party also lent support.
Military mum LIlly Walker from Tameside, whose son has just returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan, met others military families to help with the naming. "All we want is an end to this war in Afghanistan and the sooner our boys are back home safe the the better" she said.
From churches and mosques, offices and homes, from the trade unions, refugee groups and political parties people helped with the naming.
Nahella Ashraf found many at her city centre mosque well aware of the situation situation in Afghanistan. "We are worried that the war will spread into Pakistan" she said.
Four local churches in Chorlton in a special remembering evening took part. "We believe that church is not just for Sundays and not just about church buildings." explained Reverent Sarah Brewerton, 'We believe that all those who have lost their lives should be remembered. We were pleased to offer support to this Stop the War initiative'
In Salford Trades Union Officers from UNISON met to write out names. "We do this to call on the new President-elect Barack Obama and the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown to bring this horrendous situation to a swift conclusion and to bring to an end seven years of failed military policies that have cost hundreds of billions of Pounds and Dollars and sadly tens of thousands of human lives." explained
Ray Walker, Branch Secretary of Salford City Unison.
Nurses, architects, waitresses, pensioners and students all took part.
With over two thirds of Britons wanting the troops brought back Nahella Ashraf who is chair of Manchester Stop the War said, "I know we speak for the majority of people in this country when we say we want - No More Deaths in Afghanistan! Bring the troops out now!". More Photos |
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Last Updated on Monday, 01 December 2008 16:52 |
Reports of Activities