Bajrang Dal activists set fire to ‘Pakistani Food Festival’ banner in Surat
A group of Bajrang Dal activists took down and set on fire a banner announcing a ‘Pakistani food festival’, in Surat
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Surat, December 14: A group of Bajrang Dal activists took down, and set on fire a large banner placed over a restaurant announcing a ‘Pakistani food festival’, in Surat, said activists. As per reports, the 10-day food festival was organised by a chain of restaurants called ‘Taste of India’ between December 12-22.
The activists also called the restaurant owner, named Sandeep Dawer, inquiring about this matter. He issued an apology for naming the food festival after Pakistan and replaced it with ‘seafood festival.’ While speaking about the matter, Bajrang Dal leader, Deviprasad Dubey said, “We got to know about the hoarding from social media following which we took permission from the South Gujarat Convenor Dinesh Navadiya.”
He further said, “Later, we went to the spot and brought down the hoarding. We also called Dawer, the owner, and asked him why he has organised such a food festival. He apologised.”
A hoarding was put up near the old sub-jail on Ring Road in the city of Surat. On learning about the banner from social media, Bajrang Dal members reached the spot, took it down and set the banner on fire.
The activists also called the restaurant owner, named Sandeep Dawer, inquiring about this matter. He issued an apology for naming the food festival after Pakistan and replaced it with ‘seafood festival.’ While speaking about the matter, Bajrang Dal leader, Deviprasad Dubey said, “We got to know about the hoarding from social media following which we took permission from the South Gujarat Convenor Dinesh Navadiya.”
He further said, “Later, we went to the spot and brought down the hoarding. We also called Dawer, the owner, and asked him why he has organised such a food festival. He apologised.”
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The restaurant owner Sandeep Dawer also accepted his mistake and promised to not use the word Pakistani, as it hurt the sentiments of people. While talking about the issue, he said, “When we were using that word we felt that some people might not like it, but we did not know it would turn out like this…We are just serving cuisine which has nothing to do with Pakistan as such. The second name of Mughlai cuisine is Pakistani food.”
He confirmed that no Pakistani cuisine chef was invited to this food festival and that the menu was prepared by restaurant staff through online videos.