Pak delegates stay as MEA steps in

CHANDIGARH:Amid the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs today extended help to the organisers of the 11th Global Youth Peace Fest (GYPF) after Chandigarh Tribune highlighted the security concerns surrounding the 20-member Pakistan delegation in the city.

Charu Chhibber

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 30

Amid the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs today extended help to the organisers of the 11th Global Youth Peace Fest (GYPF) after Chandigarh Tribune highlighted the security concerns surrounding the 20-member Pakistan delegation in the city. The security of the delegation has been beefed up.

Vikas Swaroop, spokesperson for the MEA and Joint Secretary, External Relations, said a ministry representative called up the organising NGO this morning. “There were concerns regarding the security of the 20-member Pakistan delegation, including 19 girls. An official from the ministry called up the NGO manager and asked about the well-being of the delegation. Our representative extended help to the organisers of the GYPF with regard to the security of the Pakistan delegation but was informed that they were doing fine,” Swaroop said.

Roshan Lal, SP (Law and Order), Chandigarh, said, “The security of the delegation from Pakistan has been stepped up.”

Talking to Chandigarh Tribune, a visibly relieved Pramod Sharma, coordinator of Yuvsatta, the chief organiser of the GYPF, said, “This morning, I received a call from the MEA asking about the well-being of the delegates. I’m happy that the peace fest is going on as per the original plan.”

Today, Chandigarh Tribune had highlighted how the families of the 20-member delegation from Pakistan were making frantic phone calls to know their well-being. Fearing for their security, the delegates were pulled out of all public appearances lined up for yesterday. There were also reports that the delegation may head back home.

GYPF delegates visit Shimla

The 250 delegates from 33 countries participating in the ongoing GYPF went to Shimla on Friday where Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh interacted with them at his residence over lunch.

In view of the tense situation between India and Pakistan, only women reporters have been allowed to cover the peace meet. The International Dance and Music Festival, scheduled for Saturday evening, has been cancelled.

A series of events are lined up for the fifth day of the peace fest on Saturday. While a cleanliness campaign by delegates will be held at Sector 17 and Rock Garden in the morning, there will be an Indo-Pak girls’ meet thereafter. The day will end with the delegates holding a candlelight vigil for world peace at the Sector 17 Plaza in the evening.