Khurshid Kasuri book launch to be held as scheduled despite Sena threat, say organisers

Mumbai: A key organiser of the Mumbai launch of a book written by former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri has said the event will continue as scheduled on Monday amid threats from Shiv Sena.

Sudheendra Kulkarni, chairman of Observer Research Foundation, a foreign policy think tank, which has organised the event, met Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray at the latter’s residence Matoshree here late on Sunday night.

It is understood that the meeting was futile and Kulkarni left Matoshree without getting any assurance from the Sena leader whose party’s threat to disrupt Pakistan ghazal singer Ghulam Ali’s concerts led to cancellation of his events in Mumbai and Pune recently.

“I have requested Uddhav Thackeray that the Shiv Sena should not oppose the book launch event. I also told him that the event will proceed despite Sena’s threat,” Kulkarni told PTI.

Kulkarni has served as speechwriter for BJP veterans Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani.

The Sena, which shares power with the BJP in Maharashtra, has written to the director of Worli’s Nehru Centre, the launch venue, to cancel the show because of the Pakistan connection.

Maharashtra’s home department, headed by BJP chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, has assured the organisers of full security cover.

Kasuri is scheduled to attend the launch of his book ‘Neither a Hawk nor a Dove: An Insider’s Account of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy’ at 5.30 PM in Worli area here.

“Our event will go on as planned. We have been assured full security and assistance by the police,” Kulkarni said.

PTI