Indian activist Sudheendra Kulkarni (L), whose face was blackened by ink in an alleged attack, looks on as former Pakistani foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri speaks to media in Mumbai on October 12, 2015. PHOTO: AFP
Chairman Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Sudheendra Kulkarni today described himself as an “agent of peace” and not a “Pakistani agent” as labelled by Shiv Sena. Sena’s remarks came after he hosted former Pakistan minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and asked the saffron party to respect other people’s freedom of expression.
“I have been labelled a Pakistani agent in Sena’s mouthpiece Saamana. I respect their freedom of expression. They should also respect others’ freedom of expression.
Read: India arrests six Shiv Sena activists for attacking Kasuri book launch organiser
“Ours is a democracy. Freedom of thought and speech is a fundamental right,” Kulkarni said during a press conference.
The ORF had organised Kasuri’s book launch event at Nehru Centre in Worli, Central Mumbai, which took place as scheduled last evening amidst tight security.
“When it is said I am a Pakistani agent, I say yes, I am an agent but an agent of peace and will continue to be one,” he said.
Read: Shiv Sena calls for cancellation of Pakistani ghazal singer’s performance in Mumbai
Asked about the arrest of six persons who allegedly smeared his face black yesterday he said, “I am not concerned about their arrest and bail. I have faith in our judiciary.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 14th, 2015.
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