

NEW DELHI: It may have a negligible presence in Delhi, but ahead of the general election, Shiv Sena is trying hard to gain attention. It has threatened to disrupt a Sindhi Sufi music festival planned over the weekend because Sufi musicians from Pakistan are likely to perform here.

The chief complainant, Om Dutt Sharma, the Delhi president of the political outfit, filed his nomination for contesting from North East Delhi on Friday. Dutt said he had sent complaints against the festival to the election commissioner and the deputy commissioner of police, threatening to protest at the venue if the organizers don't call it off.

"Last year as well, I, along with 50 other Shiv Sena volunteers, was arrested for protesting at the Sufi music festival. We cannot allow such events as India shouldn't have any relations with Pakistan. India has seen many terrorist attacks. We will make sure they don't perform here," said Dutt. Shiv Sena is known for its extreme stance; festival organizers are confident that Delhi Police will prevent any disruption.

Sindhu Mishra, secretary of Sindhi Academy, one of the organizers, said, "They entered the venue last year and made a dash for the stage. But before they could do anything, the audience and police overpowered them. We have sought police protection and hope they will manage the situation

well. We were informed by the LG office about the threats," she said.

Sindhu and many others find it amusing that right-wing outfits should protest against Sufi music, which is "shared heritage". "We were one country once. Sindh is the place where Sufism emerged. It's also the place where the Indus Valley civilization flourished. So Sindhi Sufi poetry, which is always sung, is a common heritage. Many Sindhis in India have lost touch with their roots. For instance, Dama dam mast kalandar, also a Sufi Sindhi song was popularized by Runa Laila long after she moved to Bangladesh. This heritage will die out if it's not cherished," added Mishra.

The festival, organized by the department of art, culture and languages and Sindhi Academy, will see Sufi singer Tufail Sanjrani and the Sindhi Sufi kalam presenter, Taj Mastani from Pakistan. Many other Indian Sufi singers will also participate in the event. The festival will be held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts on March 22 and 23.

