Amid growing tensions, activists determined to hold Indo-Pak fair
Despite the increasing tensions between India and Pakistan, due to the terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims and confrontation between troops of both sides, peace lovers are firm to organise the annual ‘Hind-Pak Dosti Mela’ (Indo-Pak friendship fair) here on upcoming Independence Day. A meeting was held at Virsa Vihar to review make arrangements for the event.
Aiming to ease the relations between two countries, activists of Hind-Pak Dosti Manch in collaboration with South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA) and Folklore Research Academy have been organising the event since past 21 years. The event is held in commemoration of people killed during communal riots at the time of Partition.
Artistes from India and Pakistan perform during the cultural programme held during the event.A candle light vigil is held near zero line at Wagah border on the intervening night of August 14 and 15. However, this year the activists are in a fix as governments of both the nations are taking no chance on security issue. Recently the central government denied permission to Sikh jathas to visit Pakistan. In view of this,
We will meet BSF officials to get permission to organise the candle light march near the zero line. RAMESH YADAV, president Folklore Research Academy
the activists are unsure as to whether their Pakistani counterparts will be granted visas.
“The bilateral ties had turned bitter earlier only. But our problems have increased as a communal hatred wave has spread now,” said president Hind-Pak Dosti Manch Satnam Singh Manak. Manak said, “We will invite 25 Pakistani artistes, journalists and intellectuals. People who will be given visas, will attend the event here,”he said.
“We are meeting BSF officials to get permission to organise the candle light march near the zero line.If we are denied, we will organise the procession near the entry gate,”said president Folklore Research Academy Ramesh Yadav.