CHANDIGARH – Many had been saying it has been war-like when India and Pakistan clashed on a cricket ground, but the same number now believes a match acts as a peace bridge between the two estranged nations who consider cricket as their common religion separate from their Hindu and Muslim identities.
While till now skeptics have been dominating, peaceniks see an opportunity in the semifinal match at Mohali on March 30 to promote friendship. They have got 10,000 flags printed with each one carrying symbols and color patterns of both India and Pakistan. Around 20,000 stickers projecting a heart with one valve Indian and another Pakistani have also been printed to be distributed to the spectators.
Around 40 Pakistani peaceniks are bringing Pakistani flags to be sewed with Indian flags. The are reaching the city. Joint flags are sort of a first anywhere in the world, one of the Indian promoters of peace Pramod Sharma told The Times of India. Sharma is associated with a Gandhian NGO, Yuvsatta.
Punjab’s additional advocate general Reeta Kohli, who is supporting the cause, said, “Yuvsatta will be hosting all 40 people during the match and would distribute these flags and stickers amidst spectators.” These 40 Pakistanis applied for visas on Friday only and special arrangements are being made to get them clearances.
