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Thousands watch Chambliyal mela
Luv Puri
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A mega event; "huge response due to ongoing peace process"
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CHAMBLIYAL:
The Chambliyal mela, said to symbolise the common cultural legacy of India and Pakistan, turned out to be a mega event this year with thousands participating on Thursday.
The Baba Chambliyal shrine is at the edge of the zero line adjoining Pakistan's Sialkot district. Braving intense heat, the people thronged the shrine since morning. There was jubilation when Pakistan Rangers of the Chenab Regiment, led by Colonel Mohammad Najeeb Khan, received the sharbat (holy soil). Border Security Force DIG M.K. Razdan welcomed him at 9.30 a.m.
Unlike as in the past, the mela, an annual feature for the past 316 years, was held in a relaxed atmosphere with Pakistanis allowed to come close to the zero line.
Thousands of them stood in a single file to witness the ceremony.
The only civilian who crossed the zero line along with Pakistan Rangers was Mazar Hussien, head of Saidanwali village, whose family members are disciples of Baba Chambliyal.
Talking to reporters, Colonel Khan said, "such a huge response from the people on both sides is obviously due to the ongoing peace process.
The event proves that people want to live in harmony."
He estimated that at least 50,000 Pakistanis witnessed the event.
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