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This story is from August 15, 2020

No assembly at border on Independence eve yet peace activists raise voice for reviving peace, friendship

No assembly at border on Independence eve yet peace activists raise voice for reviving peace, friendship
Activists praying for peace
BATHINDA: The assembly of peace activists from both the Punjabs at the border on the eve of Independence Day talking peace, turned into night long virtual interaction for restrictions in place due to Covid. Guftagu Azaadi Ki Chale Chalo ke woh manzil abhi nahi aayi ‘cultural expressions and conversations on freedom’ by Pakistan India peoples forum for peace and democracy(PIPFPD) and midnight peace vigil by Aaghaz-e-dosti, paved the way for Peace activists from both sides baring out their minds praying for the return of peace between both the neighbouring countries.
Martyr Bhagat Singh’ nephew Prof Jagmohan Singh stressed the need fop0r peace and regular interaction between youths of both the nations as we could not live long under hatred as it turns into mental retardation, it could be eradica6ted with love.
Bhagat Singh used to speak of Independence where poverty and inequality should have no place but our both the countries inherited it and continuing with it even after 7 decades which now need to be overthrown. He talked about poem of legendary poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz while Bhagat Singh and his comrades were being executed.
Activist Munizae Jahangir talked about fight of both the nations against the human beings whereas it should be against environment degradation, pandemics. It is time to initiate dialogue instead of fight for dignity of people. These are trying and tested times and we need to look for new opportunities beyond borders.
"We are here because we believe in friendship across border, believe in peace, we don't believe in narrow nationalisms. We have gathered to say we are not that wall that separates, we are the cracks in the wall, will make new paths we will light them in darkness" said feminist and social activist Kamla Bhasin
We are the conservative one's who are trying to conserve the rich history of friendship, love and peace across South Asia, PIPFPD India chapter convener Vijayan MJ and Aaghaz-e-Dosti India chapter convener Devika Mittal said separately but with same tone.
‘The neo-youth movement should develop international solidarity across South Asia. There is an attempt to rewrite history in contemporary politics across the world", said Ammar Ali Jan talking about South Asian solidarity and voices of love and peace.

“I am Gypsy the entire world is mine, no demographic and no border can stop me moving. Moving in freedom.", said Anwar Solangi from Sindh.
Faiz Ahmad Faiz’ daughter Salima Hashmi reciting one of Faiz's poem 'Ye Daagh Daagh Ujala' asked for peace and only peace.
The history of freedom in South Asia is of fighting oppression and I would like to remember the people whom we have lost." Said Nighat Khan, Pakistani feminist activist, researcher and author.
We need to recognise that we are communities of people and it was the colonial powers that brought the idea of nationalism to us." Tapan Bose founding member of PIPFPD.
The governments of India and Pakistan co-operate wonderfully to keep the people separate. We ask for Peace over buying arms and war. We are celebrating the withdrawal of colonial power in South Asia, the future of the people in subcontinent lies in open frontiers, in peace", said IA Rehman founding member of PIPFPD".
"It is feminism which has taught us power of love not love of power. We will fight the oppressive state with love, friendship and solidarity." Khushi Kabir
We are celebrating freedom on this auspicious day for South Asian solidarity and friendship. Solidarity and friendship of South Asia. The kind of gagging of people's voices by the state is shameful", said Khushi Kabir, Bangladeshi social activist.
Bindu Malini reciting Faiz Ahmed Faiz' song 'Hum Dekhenge' in 5 Indian languages. Rene Singh reciting 'Chal Bulleya' by Baba Bulleshah.
author
About the Author
Neel Kamal

Neel Kamal writes about sustainable agriculture, environment, climate change for The Times of India. His incisive and comprehensive reporting about over a year-long farmers' struggle against farm laws at the borders of the national capital won laurels. He is an alumunus of Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology.

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