The Hindu : National : Where Pakistan pilgrims will be missed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jun 12, 2004

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National

Where Pakistan pilgrims will be missed

By Luv Puri

CHAMBLIYAL (JAMMU), JUNE 11. The peace process between India and Pakistan appears to have brought little relief to the thousands of border residents who believe in the Sufi heritage of harmonious existence.

This year, Pakistan pilgrims will miss the famous Chambiliyal mela, a symbol of brotherhood and communal harmony, which has been celebrated for over 300 years.

The Baba Chambliyal shrine is situated near the zero line on the Indian side of the Ranbir Singh Pura sector. The mela, to be celebrated on June 24, also attracts thousands of devotees from north India.

Two days back, the Border Security Force held a meeting with the Pakistan Rangers at the Chambliyal forward post and told them that it would make all arrangements for the participation of devotees from the other side and as per tradition offer them the `shakar' [soil] of the shrine. However, there was no affirmative reply to the BSF proposal, according to an officer of 39th Division of the BSF, which hosts the mela every year.

There has been no incident of firing along this side of the border since the ceasefire was announced. Before `Operation Parakaram,' the mela used to be celebrated by the BSF and Pakistan Rangers. Later, tension along the border prevented the celebrations and it was held away from the zero line.

This time, the border residents are enthusiastic due to the prevailing peace and calm.

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