Shiv Sena Cancels Ghulam Ali Concert in Mumbai

Saffron Brigade  Bares Its Fangs Again!

In yet another instance of jingoism and fascist vandalism, the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra has forced the organisers to cancel the Mumbai concert of well-known Pakistani gazal singer Ghulam Ali.  A few months ago, the Shiv Sena had opposed Pakistani singer Atif Aslam’s concert in Pune, which then had to be cancelled after their opposition. We condemn this blatant display of fascist muscle flexing.

According to the Shiv Sena, inviting any Pakistani singer is an “insult” to all citizens of India. However, as we well know, this is a mere “excuse”, and a convenient smokescreen to allow the Shiv Sena (as well as the MNS and other such outfits) to indulge in their favourite game of vitriolic minority bashing. The common people of both India and Pakistan have for years enjoyed and benefited from protracted cultural exchanges, be it in the form of music, theatre or films.

It is highly unfortunate that fascist forces such as the Shiv Sena are able to attack such cultural exchanges with such impunity. The mere threat of disruption and violence by such fascist forces is today enough to cancel a program planned and organised.