16 - Aug -2010
As the 10 Indian peace activists arrive at Labour Relief Camp at Regal Chouck Mall Road Lahore, slogans were raised by political and trade unions activists, “long live peoples friendship of India and Pakistan, we want peace not war, welcome Indian friends, reduce the army budget on both sides”. The peace caravan started from Mumbai had arrived in the afternoon at Wahgha border and then drove to Regal Chouck.
The delegation included Zaid Ahmad, Feroz Mithiborwala, Dr Sandeep Pandey, Mazhar Hussain, Monica Wahi, Ramneek Mohan, Shetal, Darshan, Rajeshwar Ojha, Feroz Hudda. After initial remarks from Sandeep Panday, the group went out to collect funds from the road. The group also brought Indian Rupees 29000 from India and contributed to flood victims.
Within three hours, they had collected a total sum of Pakistan Rupees 121000 including the donation they brought in. There was a great enthusiasm at the camp. The traffic stopped several times to donate funds. The camp next door was from Jamaati Islami who was totally taken aback by the positive response of Lahorites to Indian peace activists.
A lot of media was present who were taking photographs of every move of the delegation. Today daily Dawn has printed a five column picture of the group collecting funds on the front page of Metropolitan section and news coverage on the back page of the national of the main section.
It was the rare show of people’s solidarity where the Indians asking money for flood victims of Pakistan, a total negation of the religious fanatics who want war with India all the time.
Farooq Tariq
No comments:
Post a Comment