The Hindu : National : Pakistani Scouts attend SAARC camp at Gulmarg

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 06, 2004

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Pakistani Scouts attend SAARC camp at Gulmarg

By Shujaat Bukhari

GULMARG, JULY 5. In a crowd of over 700 scouts, a group of 15 from Pakistan, particularly three from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was the centre of attraction during the last two days of the SAARC integration camp organised by Bharat Scouts and Guides here.

The Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who was the chief guest at the closing ceremony said "this is a small beginning but a big step." He, along with his wife, Gulshan Sayeed, and Member of Parliament, Mehbooba Mufti, received gifts from the leader of the Pakistan team, Qazi Zahoorul Hassan. A cheerful Mr. Sayeed said that a new era of peace had dawned in the sub- continent.

With a large number of Kashmiris who visit Gulmarg in summer, thronging the campsite to have a glimpse of the "guests", the scouts had a tough time following their schedule and the demands for autographs and photos.

The police found it difficult to control the mob. Perhaps for the first time, the Pakistani flag was seen fluttering on Kashmiri soil along with the Indian, the Bhutanese and the Bangladeshi flags.

Those from Muzaffarabad, the capital of POK, desired to return via the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road.

Mufti Saheb please do something so that we do not have to take the long route through Wagah" Tariq Shafi one of the scouts from Muzaffarabad told Mr. Sayeed.

Tariq said "we never expected to get a visa to visit Kashmir. I would love to get a chance to go back via this [Srinagar-Muzaffarabad] road."

The leader of the Pakistani team, Qazi Zahoorul Hassan, thanked the Indian and Pakistani Governments for facilitating their travel. The scouts from Bhutan and Bangladesh also participated in the camp.

They presented colourful programmes depicting their culture along with those from Kashmir, Manipur, Assam, Tamil Nadu and other States. This is the 12th SAARC integration camp, which has been organised in a row.

The last time Kashmiri scouts had visited Pakistan and Bangladesh. This time, scouts from 21 States are a part of the camp.

Scouts from Bangladesh and Bhutan are also happy to be here. "We feel at home as people here are very hospitable," said a scout from Bhutan.

"It is not only an occasion to exchange views and thoughts but also a confluence of traditions and cultures," said Lalhmathangi, a 15-year-old scout.

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