Border curbs cloud Bhagwant Mann invite

Indian Punjab CM's participation in Lahore conference hinges on bilateral policies

LAHORE:

An invitation to Indian Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for the upcoming World Punjabi Conference in Lahore is facing uncertainty over whether cross-border travel policies will permit the leader to attend the event.

Conference Chairman Muddasir Iqbal Butt confirmed that an invitation had been made to Mann but said his participation remained uncertain because of restrictions and policies governing travel between Pakistan and India.

The final decision, he said, would rest with the relevant authorities on both sides.

Butt said the organisers were working with Punjabi language and culture advocates, including Punjab Institute of Language Art and Culture (PILAC) Director General Aslam Shahid, to make the gathering a successful international event.

CM Mann has expressed interest in visiting Lahore.

He referred to the invitation during proceedings of the Indian Punjab Vidhan Sabha. According to sources at PILAC, he wanted to attend the conference but there is uncertainty whether the Indian government would permit him to travel to Pakistan.

Mann also highlighted the cultural and linguistic connections between the two Punjabs.

His remarks have raised expectations among Punjabi cultural circles that the gathering could provide an opportunity to strengthen links between communities divided by the international border.

Preparations for the conference by various organisations are in full swing and invitations to delegates from around the world are being sent.

A visit by the chief minister of Indian Punjab would give the conference significant prominence.

It could also create opportunities for dialogue among writers, academics, artists and cultural organisations. Mann's statement regarding participation in the conference has become a subject of debate among Punjabi scholars and community.

The conference is scheduled for November 27 to 29 at PILAC in Lahore.

The organisers intend to bring together participants from Pakistan and the international Punjabi community to discuss the language's future, literary traditions, cultural identity and issues affecting communities speaking it.