The Hindu : A joint celebration

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Aug 16, 2003

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A joint celebration

By Sarabjit Pandher

CHANDIGARH Aug. 15 . It was a rare event in the history of the Sub-Continent. People today crossed the India-Pakistan border to celebrate the independence days of both the countries jointly.

The Wagah-Attari joint checkpost in Amritsar district along the Grand Trunk Road hasworn a different look since August 14 midnight, totally different from its appearance for the last 56 years.

Thousands of people gathered this side of the Zero Line to receive a delegation of 12 MPs from Pakistan.

A festival was organised in the true Punjabi spirit of revelry. While folk singers gave vent to the emotions of the gathering, it was time for the young to invoke the blessings of the elders at the stroke of midnight, which was common hour for both countries to celebrate their freedom.

While senior journalist, Kuldip Nayar, and actor-turned-politician, Raj Babbar, led the Indian delegation, Itejaz Eishan, member of the United Assembly, led the Pakistani side.

Speakers urged the people to take a promise from their representatives to ensure that both countries cease all hostilities and make sure that there was no war. While many stressed the need for a ``softer border'', Mr. Babbar warned the rulers of both countries about the danger of losing power if they did not concede the public demand for peace.

Delegation's appeal

UNI reports from Amritsar:

The Pakistani Parliamentary delegation to India today appealed to the Centre to release a 15-year-old Pakistani boy who strayed into India through the Wagah border six weeks ago.

Talking to reporters here, Mr. Eishan said that Dinesh Kumar of Omarkot, Sindh, had run away from home after failing to clear his exams in June last. The boy had crossed over by mistake and is in Amritsar jail now.

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