Religious rites: City government to celebrate Diwali

LAHORE: The city district government will facilitate the Hindu community for Diwali falling in November. It would arrange a musical concert at the Town Hall for Hindu students, revealed District Coordination Officer Noorul Amin Mengal on Monday.

Chairing a meeting at the Town Hall, he said the minority communities based in Lahore would be protected and their freedom to perform religious rites without any fear guaranted.  Additional Commissioner Revenue Nadir Chattha, Shalimar AC Shahid Kilyani, Hindu representatives and CDGL officers were present. Earlier, the representatives of the Hindu Community apprised Mengal of the problems they were facing to burn their bodies at Budoo Da Awa on the GT road. Mengal directed the officials concerned to construct a boundary wall at the cremation and provide drinking water, and watchman.  He also directed Chattha to commence homework for the establishment of a community centre for Hindus in Lahore.  Amar Nath, Ashiq Ram and Sabir Naz appreciated Mengal’s directions. They also thanked the Punjab chief minister for solving their problems.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2012.