Harassment of Pakistani artist in India condemned
KARACHI: Pakistani artists would not go to India unless Indian government provides security and respect to them, said renowned Pakistani comedian Shakeel Siddiqui, who was recently harassed by extremists in India.
Addressing a press conference at the Fleet Club Auditorium here Friday, he said it is the duty of Indian government to provide security to visiting Pakistani artists. He said the public of India loves Pakistani stage artists, but extremist elements were harassing Pakistani artists visiting In-dia. He said Indian media, artists and civil society have also condemned the harassment of Pakistani artists. He said the culprits were obviously were extremists, and such kind of people live in both India and Pakistan.
Comedian Rauf Lala said on the occasion that Pakistani artists strongly condemn what happened to Shakeel Siddiqui. He said now we would visit India only when the environment becomes normal. Indian filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, addressing the press conference, on telephone from India condemned the harassment of Pakistani artists in India. He apologized with Shakeel Siddiqui on behalf of Indian civil society. He said it is high time that India and Pakistan take joint action against extremism, which is present in both countries. He said they will meet on February 05 with Indian high-ups for action against those involved in the incident. Stage artist Sikandar Sannam, Rauf Lala, Kashif Khan, Saleem Afridi and film artist Saud were also present.
Source: The Nation
Date:1/17/2009
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