Watch | Pak singer Ghulam Ali reacts to Mumbai concert cancellation

”A musician belongs to everyone,” says Ghulam Ali after his Mumbai concert was cancelled due to objections raised by the Shiv Sena. “No one can stop one's voice from reaching the people.” The decision comes close to the heels of the Maharashtra chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis saying adequate protection would be provided to Ali and that the concert, organised in memory of late ghazal singer Jagjit Singh, would be held according to schedule.

Sena co-governs Maharashtra with the BJP and has defended the move by saying the “conditions at the border right now forced them to oppose the concert.” Party leader Sanjay Raut said, “We are not opposing Ghulam Ali but opposing terrorism by Pakistan. Shiv Sena is against keeping any relations with Pakistan till the time they stop terrorism.” Meanwhile, the BJP which rules the state in alliance with the Shiv Sena distanced itself from the threat.