Excelsior Correspondent
AKHNOOR, Feb 14: Amidst ceasefire violations, continuous firing and shelling along the International Border (IB) in Jammu sector, the BJP leaders today sent the message of `love and peace’ to its neighbour, Pakistan in a very unique way on the occasion of Valentine Day.
The unique initiative launched by the former SDP leader, now in BJP- Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, about 8 years back was also acknowledged and formally adopted by the senior BJP leadership. Dr Andrabi, who hails from Kashmir and is also a noted writer and poet; was not alone today on this occasion. The State general secretary (Org) of the BJP, Ashok Koul and both the party MLAs from Akhnoor and Khour, Rajiv Sharma and Dr Krishan Lal besides other party leaders and activists also accompanied her in this unique event at the historical place of Jia Pota Ghat, at the bank of river Chinab at Akhnoor, where the Maharaja Gulab Singh was throned.
The BJP leaders released colourful balloons and white pigeons in the air and three baskets fitted on tyre tubes with burning candles and flowers with the message of love and peace in the river for its neighbour country Pakistan, amidst slogans of `Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ by the BJP workers and leaders at the river bank during mid day. The baskets were flown down to Pakistan from the middle of the river using a boat, in presence of large media group at the site.
Talking to news-persons, senior BJP leader, Ashok Koul while quoting the words of former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee that `neighbours can’t be changed’ said, “from this platform which was created by Dr Andrabi about eight years back, we appeal to our neighbour to create atmosphere of love and peace along the borders because people on both the sides are affected with the constant ceasefire violations. We want that this message of peace should reach the Pakistani Government and hope they would reciprocate it,” Mr Koul maintained.
Referring to the fresh talks of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Pak premier Nawaz Sharif yesterday and commencing of foreign secretary level talks between the two sides, the BJP leader said India has always supported dialogue and create atmosphere of peace. Mr Modi wanted peaceful and cordial relations not only with Pakistan but all the SAARC nations and he invited heads of all these nations on his swearing in ceremony. But unfortunately, Pakistan did not respond properly. “We hope, Pak will soon realize the importance of peace, because it is directely connected with development of any nation,” Mr Koul added.
Dr Andrabi in her message to Pak hoped that her eight-year- old initiative which has also been acknowledged and adopted by the party leadership, would force Pakistan to mend its ways and realize the importance of peace on borders so that blood-shed and firing spree on the borders is brought to an end. She said today she was not alone but entire BJP leadership and the country was with this initiative. She said due to constant firing the border farmers are the mostly affected.
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