SRINAGAR: Groups of Kashmiri raised pro-freedom slogans at an event of Artof Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in occupied Kashmir today and leftmidway alleging that they were tricked into participating in the programme.
As Ravi Shankar was speaking at Paigham-e-Mohabbat (message of love)function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC)lawns, people started to leave the venue, forcing the spiritual leader tocut short his speech.
The people alleged they did not know that Ravi Shankar was to speak thereand were invited to the programme on different pretexts.
“We reached here early in the morning.We were told that we will be givenjobs and some management company is giving training here,” a group ofyouths from Pantha Chowk area of the city said.
Another group from central Kashmir’s Budgam district said they were toldsome religious scholar was to shed light on Islam.
“We would not have participated in this event had we known who was tospeak. We were tricked by the organisers,” they claimed.
A group of students alleged that they were promised cricket kits by theorganisers.
“We were promised cricket kits and money. But we have not been givenanything, not even a glass of water,” Javed Ahmad, a student from Baramulladistrict, said.
The people raised pro-freedom slogans at the event, but dispersedpeacefully later.
Asked about the people’s allegations, Ravi Shankar said it was he who wasinvited to Kashmir and he had not invited those people but would beavailable to hear whatever they want to say.