Mumbai Police stop Pakistani artists from performing at NCPA

Sachal Jazz Ensemble, the Lahore-based band, comprises of three Britons and seven Pakistani citizens. The last-minute cancellation of the show left a huge crowd in despair, which had gathered to listen to the internationally renowned band.

The band had to perform “jazz and ragas” at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai.

The three British nationals in the band were allowed to perform in the city, however the rest of seven band members – all Pakistanis – were not permitted.

Despite the Indian claims to uphold secular values, the move by the Mumbai Police indicates a narrow approach and discrimination against artists, who are the cultural ambassadors, not to talk of others.