The Hindu : National : A message of peace

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 26, 2004

National

National

A message of peace

By Luv Puri

JAMMU, MAY 25. It was a novel idea, meant to send a message of peace across the border. Artists from various parts of Jammu and Kashmir collected at the Chinore Farm in the Chicken Neck area 30 km from here near the once-volatile stretch of the Indo-Pakistan international border, and gave expression to their art. Alongside, a cultural show by the theatre group Samooh was organised.

The Chicken Neck area has Pakistani territory on three sides. It used to be difficult living here as the firing came from three sides. The walls still bear bullet marks. However, life under the shadow of fear is a thing of the past today, six months after a ceasefire came into effect.

The change in the mood inspired the painters, dramatists and cartoonists in different ways. The moving spirit behind the show, Sudhir Mahajan, says: ``The show was held to spread the message of peace to our western neighbour. We are sure they would be listening, as the event was held barely a few metres from the Pakistani side.''

Rakesh Sharma, displaying his sketch of border life, said: ``We had a different image of border life. It is as normal as city life. At present, with wheat cultivation going on, it is even more so.''

For the local people, the moment was exciting, as the focus was on them.

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