Srinagar: Two noted Kashmiri poets, including Jnanpith awardee Rehman Rahi, have opposed the musical concert featuring internationally renowned conductor Zubin Mehta here on Saturday and said they may not attend the high profile event.
"Many (people) are saying it is ill-timed. I may not attend the concert," Rahi, who was awarded the prestigious Jnanpith award in 2007 for his Kashmiri poetry, told a news agency.
Another noted Kashmiri poet, Zareef Ahmad Zareef, was categorical in saying he will not attend the concert as it is "unnatural" to hold such an event when people of the Valley were suffering miseries due to non-resolution of Kashmir issue.
"If this concert was to provide a healing touch to the people of Kashmir, who have suffered so much over the years, the victims and sufferers should have been the audience for this concert. However, it is the elite from outside who will form the audience for the concert," Zareef said.
He said if Germany had the welfare of Kashmiris at its heart, the massive amount of money spent on holding the concert could have been better utilised in rehabilitating the victims of violence in Kashmir.
German embassy is organising the event.
The poet said all efforts should be focused on resolving Kashmir issue so that there is an end to the suffering of the people. "Once that is done, we will invite Zubin Mehta and other renowned musicians from around the globe to perform here."
PTI
