“Of late, we have seen an increase in cases of intolerance, this is against democracy,” Advani said. “I condemn the attack whosoever did it, even if it is an organization, it is condemnable.”
The attackers were protesting the launch this evening of a book by Khurshid Kasuri, Pakistan’s former foreign minister.
This is a non-violent movement: Sena leader Sanjay Raut on the ink attack on Sudheendra Kulkarni #SenaHatePoliticshttps://t.co/FTDAwY4u2B
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) October 12,
The Shiv Sena had a few days ago asked officials at the Nehru Planetarium, the venue for the book launch, to call off the function. The Shiv Sena warned that the event will be disrupted if it isn’t canceled because of Pakistan’s support for terrorism.
Kulkarni, who is scheduled to moderate a discussion at the launch of “Neither a Hawk, nor a Dove” said the incident occurred as he was leaving for his office and while he was in his car.
“Despite this, today’s event will most certainly take place. Let’s have a very productive interaction with Mr Kasuri. This will further the noble cause of peace between India and Pakistan,” said Kulkarni, on television, after the incident.
Kasuri said in a news conference after the attack that he isn’t depressed by such incidents, although they are unfortunate. “I know there are people in Pakistan and India who do not want good relations between the two nations. The overwhelming majority of people in Pakistan want good relations with India. I have seen how quickly it’s possible to change peoples’ perceptions with conversations,” he added.
In the meanwhile, the Shiv Sena reiterated after the attack on Kulkarni that it will disrupt the book launch if it goes ahead as planned today. “The ink attack on Kulkarni, if it is a reaction to the book launch, is a mild reaction from the Sena … this is not ink but the blood of our Soldiers,” said Shiv Sena parliamentarian Sanjay Raut, after the incident.
The Mumbai police said that following the incident with Kulkarni, it is holding a meeting to review the law and order arrangements for the event.
(Advani addresses media, Twitter photo)
Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra chief minister, had yesterday assured “total security” for the event. “For all foreigners, diplomats or foreign dignitaries who are allowed on a proper visa in our country, it’s the responsibility of our government to provide them security. Hence Mr Kasuri and the programme will be provided total security,” the chief minister had said. “But this does not mean that we endorse all his views.
No anti-India propaganda will be tolerated through any such programme, and if found so, the organizers would be held responsible,” the chief minister added.
Last week, despite assurances of protection from Fadnavis, a concert by Pakistani singer Ghulam Ali was cancelled by the organizers following threats by the Sena.
Maharashtra’s BJP spokesperson, Madhav Bhandari, said the party will look into the incident and take appropriate action against those involved.