Shiv Sainiks protest Ghulam Ali's visit, 10 detained

Ten Shiv Sena members were detained on Friday for protesting against Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali's visit to India to receive an award.

The singer arrived in Gujarat's Mahuva town in Bhavnagar district on Thursday to receive the 'Hanumant Award' conferred on him by a religious organisation, Chitrakoot Dham Trust, run by preacher Morari Bapu.

The trust organises an annual cultural festival 'Asmita Parva' and honours achievers in different fields.

"The Shiv Sena members were briefly detained for trying to stage demonstrations against the Pakistani singer," Mahuva Inspector V.S. Manjaria said.

"They were rounded up from Talgajarda village when they tried to reach the venue of the awards function."

Ghulam Ali, who has performed at the annual event in the past, was to perform this time as well but cancelled the programme scheduled for April 19 due to "unavoidable circumstances".

He left the venue soon after receiving the award, following which the detained Shiv Sainiks were released.

--IANS

desai/tsb/bg