KEIGHLEY events promoter Saby Khan has launched an ‘Arts Peace Mission’ to bring together Pakistan and India through music.

Saby, alias Sabir Hussain, visited the two countries following September’s violence in the contested region of Kashmir.

He said many thousands of innocent people were misplaced due to shelling from both sides of the border.

Kashmir is the region where many people from Keighley’s Asian community originate, and Saby’s own grandparents moved to Pakistan from Punjab India following the 1947 Partition.

During his visit Saby met with film producers, music promoters and artists in New Delhi.

He said: “We talked about uniting both countries through entertainment and media, and having British Asian artists play a major role in promoting understanding and peace.

“As Britain was the former colonial power it has a major role to play in bringing peace to the Indian subcontinent.

“While Karachi and Delhi were celebrating Independence in 1947, most of both countries were burning with major arts and cultural centres destroyed through rioting.

“Artists and musicians became targets from both sides and it was one of the darkest times of modern history to see so much talent destroyed.”

Sunday’s grandparents were amongst the most famous singers of Punjab and travelled across India performing Sufi style folk music.

Saby said: “They performed in both cities and on British bases and they had to go through this dark time. For me this was personal.”

Saby’s mission was supported by British performers like Jay Sean, Apache Indian, Taz Stereo Nation and Keighley’s singer Alibi Adam.

Saby said his meetings in Delhi and Lahore were very constructive, with film producers who worked together to show Indian films in Pakistan and allow Pakistani artists to resume work in India’s Bollywood.

Saby also looked how music could combat domestic violence and honour killings by educating children at an early age and providing safety to female performers.

Saby added: “I also want more British Asian singers, artists and, music producers to work in both countries and share arts and cultural experiences as both countries share the same language, traditions and problems.

“I also wanted the entertainment industry from both countries to stay away from politics and concentrate on talent building.

“I strongly believe that what I had mediated during the visit had a huge impact on everyone in the entertainment industry on both sides.”