The Hindu : New Delhi News : Indo-Pak delegation to work for tsunami-hit

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 03, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

Indo-Pak delegation to work for tsunami-hit

By Anjali Dhal Samanta

NEW DELHI, JAN. 2. Crossing more than one border, the new-found symphony in India-Pakistan relations has struck a chord among the South Asian diaspora as concerned citizens of Indian and Pakistani origin have organised a joint goodwill delegation to facilitate people-to-people interaction. And this unusual New Year gift that crossed the Wagah-Attari border on Sunday is more than just a peace mission. With the devastating news of the death wave, the delegation has also attempted to raise funds for the tsunami victims during its visit in Pakistan.

Touring through both the country over a period of around two-weeks, these delegates drawn from all walks of life -- settled mostly in the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada -- hope to support and stimulate the peace process between the neighbours. Through with the Pakistan chapter, which included visits to Quetta and Peshawar, the delegation began its Indian visit on Sunday. Apart from visiting the Capital, the delegation will also travel to Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jammu and Mumbai, interacting with local non-government organisations, academicians and civic leaders in each city.

And while spreading the message of peace, the delegates seem to have added another item to the agenda. "We made an announcement during a public meeting in Islamabad last evening, appealing to them to contribute for the tsunami victims. Apart from the delegates, I am told that some of the local population also contributed to the funds that we have collected. We will be launching some sort of rehabilitation and relief work in the affected areas," said head of the delegation, John Prabhudas.

And just as the mood in the Capital was low key, even across the border it appears many of the delegates preferred to usher in the New Year quietly. "Many of us did not attend New Year's parties because we wanted to save the money for the tsunami victims instead. So we stayed in and added it to our contribution," revealed Rabiya Nizam, a delegate.

As for the joint delegation, participants and organisers hope to facilitate interaction among the civil societies to put pressure on the government. "This is the first time that a joint delegation of people of Indian and Pakistani origin has been organised. People all over are concerned about what is happening in South Asia and events in recent times like attaining nuclear capability by both countries and the Gujarat carnage have attracted attention," said Shabnam Hashmi of Anhad, involved in organising the Indian visit. But even economic concerns are responsible for this increased interest, she said adding: "A lot of people are coming back to settle here. And after all, it is not the government but pressure by the local population that will force resolution of the issue."

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