Lyari resonates with Baloch music, dance

KARACHI: This March, the Baloch community in Lyari celebrated Annual Baloch Cultural Day without the presence of its leader, the chief of Peoples Amn Committee, Uzair Jan Baloch.

The day-long event was marked by folk songs, dances and cultural activities amid slogans of 'Baloch Zindabad'.

The participants, wearing Baloch cultural dresses, congratulated each other for keeping the tradition alive, despite fear of attacks. "Nothing can stop an event when everyone participates for a collective cause," said an excited participant, Umair Baloch.

He was hopeful that the law and order situation in Lyari would become normal next year. "We couldn't cancel the event this year."

The venue of the event was changed from Football Stadium to Sarbazi Ground. Hundreds of residents from different areas of Lyari attended the cultural event. Law-enforcement agencies cordoned off the area as participants were allowed to enter after a thorough search.

The attendance, however, was low as people feared that a rival group - Noor Mohammad aka Baba Ladla group - might carry out an attack. Sources said that though the day was celebrated by members of the Uzair Baloch, many residents didn't participate actively because of the fear of a clash.  "I don't see the same fervor compared to the last two years," said a resident of Chakiwara. He said that cultural dresses were not worn out of fear.

Last year, when there was no rift between Ladla and Uzair, Lyari was decorated and thousands of people from different areas attended the event till late night.

"The situation is normal and people have shown their love for cultural values," said Sindh Minister for Katchi Abadis and Spatial Development Muhammad Jawaid Nagori. He said that all security arrangements were ensured. Sources informed this reporter that Ladla was not happy with the cultural day celebrations and a message had been circulated urging residents to keep away from the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd, 2014.