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A Holi on the border

By Luv Puri

SUCHETGARH (JAMMU), MARCH 6. It was a different "festival of colours" along the India-Pakistan border. Jubilant soldiers broke the silence by dancing to musical tones. The Pakistan rangers did not take part in the celebration, but keenly watched the riot of colours on the Indian side.

The festival that brings all communities together has, for a long time, become a lack-lustre event on the border. A number of times, festival days have turned into days of mourning as bullets fired from across the border hit the residents.

"For the first time in my life I am realising that even border residents can celebrate festivals just as people living in the hinterland. I hope life continues like this," said a villager. The festival was a hit particularly among the soldiers coming from the cow belt as they explained the significance of the festival to their colleagues.

The BSF Inspector General (Jammu zone), Dilip Trividi, said: "Things are remarkably different now. Jawans are in a relaxed mood."

The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council was adjourned today for 10 minutes by its Chairman, Abdul Rashid Dar, to exchange Holi greetings.

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