Shiv Sena workers detained in Gujarat for threatening to disrupt event honouring Ghulam Ali

Ghulam Ali visited Talgajarda village of Mahuva district where revered religious guru Morari Bapu honoured him with the Hanumanta award.

Updated: April 22, 2016, 5:56 PM IST

https://www.india.com/news/india/shiv-sena-workers-detained-in-gujarat-for-threatening-to-disrupt-event-honouring-ghulam-ali-1129039/

Bhavnagar, April 22: At least 10 Shiv Sena workers were arrested by Gujarat Police in Bhavnagar district on Friday. The Shiv Sainiks were attempting to disrupt the event in Mahuva district where Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali was to be honoured. Police were alarmed of the presence of hooliganistic Shiv Sainiks in the region who had malafide intentions.

Ghulam Ali visited Talgajarda village of Mahuva district where revered religious guru Morari Bapu was to honour him with the Hanumanta award. Morari Bapu has organized the week-long Asmita Parva festival, which celebrates the diversity of culture across the globe. The ghazal maestro was scheduled to be personally honoured by Morari Bapu. While there was no revolt of the Pakistani singer’s arrival by local saffron groups, Maharashtra’s hardline Hindutva party Shiv Sena instructed its cadres in the state to protest and disrupt the event. (ALSO READ: Ghulam Ali’s Delhi event cancelled after threat)

Mahuva police inspector Vanraj Manjariya justified the detention of Shiv Sena workers, saying that the police had to ensure that no untowards incident takes place. The ten workers of Sena were detained at 11:15 AM, and kept under preventive custody till 1:30 PM.

Morari Bapu is reportedly a fan of Ghulam Ali, and has invited him on several occasions to perform in Talgajarda village. Ali was also scheduled to perform in Asmita Parva festival, but had to pull out at the last moment since his dates were not free.

The award-ceremony passed off peacefully on Friday, with no sort of hooliganism exhibited when Ghulam Ali was given the Hanumanta award by Morari Bapu.

Shiv Sena has protested against any of the events featuring Ghulam Ali or other Pakistani performer in any part of the nation. Ever since the Mumbai concert of Ghulam Ali was cancelled due to the arm-twisting tactics of the far-right party, it has decided to protest against all of his public appearances in India to gain publicity.