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Bomb blasts in Pakistan overshadow ongoing Peace Festival 2009 |
Bomb blast incidents in
Pakistan have marred the Peace Festival 2009 being organized by South Asian Foundation
in partnership with Saanjh, a cultural organization, to influence warmth and strengthen
relations between people of both neighbour countries. The organizers of the ongoing
festival have decided to cancel the "Painting for Peace" event, which was to be
held at both sides of Wagah border on Friday, as part of the 14-day festival,
which commenced on October 10. The festival has various events including the cancelled
"Painting for Peace" collage, which was to be prepared by children on both countries.
The event was to be performed on the both side of Wagah. About 375 Pakistani children
were to participate in the Friday event as well as over 500 Indian children. The
authorities in Amristar informed that they were compelled to postpone the "Painting
for Peace" event to October 23rd since after the terror attack in Pakistan, the
parents of the children in Lahore expressed reluctance to send their wards to
Wagah on Friday. Organisations like "Punarjot", RPTW, NSD, NAPA, and Indian Council
for Cultural Relation (ICCR) have supported the ongoing festival. It is for the
6th time the "Saanjh" festival being participated by many artisans, musicians,
Human right activist and students belonging to India and Pakistan, to bring people
close to each other. Popular Pakistan folk singers Sain Zahoor, Arif Lohar, Goonga
Sain and many other celebrities would participate in the festival. Peaceniks believe
such terror activities would not affect their spirit and they would continue doing
their efforts to establish a peaceful environment in the region. Dr. Kirat Sandhu,
Director of "Punarjot", a non-governmental organization (NGO) said, "It was unfortunate
whatever happed in Pakistan. But at the end of the day peace would prevail." "I
firmly believe that the people of both countries are with us and the day will
come when this hatred vanishes and our efforts would brings the results," Sandu
added. This is the second event related to Pakistan within a week's time that
has been affected by terror-related incidents. Last week, a visiting Sikh Jatha
(group), which was on a religious trip to Pakistan on the occasion of Sikh Guru,
Guru Ram Das' birth anniversary, had been reportedly asked by authorities to pre-pone
its return to India due to terror attack on the Pakistan Military headquarters
in Islamabad. Meanwhile, in the wake of terror attacks in Pakistan Red Alert has
been announced by the security forces. Besides, the Border Security Force (BSF)
have beefed up the security. More vigil will be undertaken. As part of the beefed
up security measures at Wagah, frisking of people converging to watch the daily
Retreat Ceremony in the evening will also be performed, said sources. |
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