Sir,

The iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin featured in the write-up “Gone Away: To Germany and Austria- 1” under KBG’s “Abracadabra” (SOM dated Oct.4) has historical significance too, as it was the only point of entry and exit between East Germany and West Germany after the erection of the Berlin Wall by the Russian troops, similar to our Wagah Border in Attari between India and Pakistan after partition near Amritsar.

When Soviet troops occupied the German capital Berlin, after the Second World War and the fall of Hitler, constructed the Berlin Wall and closed the Brandenburg Gate so as to prevent people from crossing over to the other side. Anyone caught climbing over the Berlin Wall to cross over to the other side was shot. Rest is history.

– V. R. Srinivasa Murthy, Brindavan Extension, 5.11.2017

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