E-Paper
Denial of visa to peaceniks hits Amritsar’s Indo-Pak peace fair
The strained ties between India and Pakistan have hit the annual “Indo-Pak peace mela” as both countries have shown reluctance in issuance of visas to peaceniks.
The strained ties between India and Pakistan have hit the annual “Indo-Pak peace mela” as both countries have shown reluctance in issuance of visas to peaceniks.
Only a seven-member delegation came from Pakistan to participate in the peace fair, organised by the Folklore Research Academy and the Hind-Pak Dosti Manch on both sides of the border.
The delegation of Indian peaceniks travels to Pakistan to participate in their Independence Day function, but this year, nobody from here will go to the neighbouring country as the visas have not been issued.
The reluctance shown by both the countries in issuing visas has not gone down well with the organisers, who feel that the governments must have taken a lenient view and supported the cause.
Head of Folklore Research Academy Ramesh Yadav said: “Pakistan-based Azaad Theatre Group was not issued visa. Also, no delegation is going from the Indian side to Pakistan. We are helpless as both the nations are reluctant in issuing visas.”
“The Indian group will stage a play and a seminar on Indo-Pak relations will also be held. In the evening, we will be holding a cultural event and a candlelight vigil at the Attari border,” said Yadav.
Peaceniks from Pakistan will come on Sunday night for the candlelight vigil, he said. Saying that lack of visas was a dampener, Yadav said: “There were times when a large delegation came from Pakistan and we also attended the event. But we have not lost hope and will continue to make efforts for better relations.”