Amidst protests, Ghulam Ali's show begins in Lucknow

Noted Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali on Sunday began his concert here, amidst the protests by the Shiv Sena members.

The Pakistani ghazal maestro's performance marks the concluding day of the Lucknow Mahotsav, an annual celebration of art and culture of the Awadh region, organised by the Uttar Pradesh Government.

Ali landed in Lucknow yesterday afternoon and was welcomed by Principal Secretary Navneet Sehgal even as Sena members staged a protest on his arrival.

Shiv Sena's U.P chief Anil Singh has been put under house arrest ahead of Ghulam Ali's concert. He has, however, asserted that protests against the singer would be carried out in the city.

The Sena has maintained opposition to the performance of Pakistani artists in India and in October 2015 forced the cancellation of Ali's programmes in Mumbai and Pune.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party had called upon the state administration to ensure that the event is performed in a peaceful environment and no untoward incident takes place.