Amidst protest, ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali reaches Varanasi

Varanasi: Despite opposition by the Hindu outfits, ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali reached here on Monday afternoon. After arrival, he rushed to his hotel under tight security arrangements. Ghulam Ali is here to perform at the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Mahotsav, which is the biggest annual classical music and dance festival of Banaras.

He is being mainly opposed by the Shiv Sena. Besides Ali, the group is also against the visit of Pakistani high commissioner in India.

Reasons for opposition:

• His visit will hurt the religious sentiments.
• Hindus in Pakistan, especially girls, are being subjected to harassment.
• Several persons were killed by terrorists in Kashi few years ago.

Also read: Hindu organizations up in arms against Ghulam Ali programme