Pakistani lifestyle event faces protest in Delhi

Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal activists Thursday staged a protest at the venue of a lifestyle event here that has brought together around 300 exhibitors from Pakistan.

The protestors demonstrated outside gate No.7 of Pragati Maidan, where the four-day 'Aalishan Pakistan' exhibition began Thursday.

Holding saffron-coloured flags with 'Om' symbols, the protestors shouted slogans but were soon taken away by police.

A few managed to sneak into the venue, but there was no violence.

"Around 100 protestors were detained and taken to Tilak Marg police station. They were released later," a police official said.

"There was no destruction. Security has been increased for the event to avoid repetition of such protests," the official said.

VHP leader Ram Krishna Srivastava said Pakistani products should not be allowed because of the country's hostile attitude towards India.

By allowing such exhibitions that glorify Pakistan and its products, the sentiments of Indian citizens have been hurt, he said.

"If this exhibition is not stopped immediately, we may call for a boycott of all Pakistani products. We advise the business community to maintain distance from Pakistani products in the national interest," he said.

Shouting slogans and demanding a ban on all trade ties with Pakistan, Bajrang Dal leader Neeraj Doneria said it was a shame to term Pakistan "Aalishan" when it was "attacking our soil and running terror camps" against India.

Shoppers from the capital were, however, not bothered.

"I am here to buy some fashion and lifestyle products. I am a graduate from Delhi University, so protests don't scare me. They are just mobs. If the government of India has allowed the event, why should people have any problem," asked Mridula, a visitor to the exhibition.

Last week, Hindu groups protested the decision to host 'Aalishan Pakistan'.

The protests came after the second 'Made In Pakistan Expo' in Mumbai was cancelled at the last minute.

'Aalishan Pakistan' is being jointly organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.