New Delhi: After cricket, it may be music, which could fall victim to Indo-Pak tensions if some Indian musicians have their way.

Accusing Pakistani musicians of being involved in a conspiracy to mint money in India, noted playback singer Abhijeet and ghazal exponent Jagjit Singh on April 3 demanded a complete ban on Pakistani musicians coming to India.

They also discussed the issue with Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani.

"Their (Pakistan's) artistes come here freely, make money and sometimes even try to settle down. If there is a ban on cricket why not on music?" Singh said at a joint press conference with Abhijeet at the Press Club of India.

Criticising Pakistan government's policy of not allowing Indian films to be shown there and barring entry of musicians, he said it was all being pirated there.

"We see Pakistani singers performing on one television channel and on another see killings in Kashmir," Singh, who was given a 'Padma Bhushan' earlier in the day, said.

Agitated over "success" and "pampering" in India of some Pakistani singers "who were not given any importance in their own country", Abhijeet alleged a "massive conspiracy" so that more and more singers could amass wealth here.

However, he replied in the negative when asked if he was referring to any particular singer.

To a question about Advani's response on the matter, they said it seemed "positive".

Appealing to the media to create awareness on the issue, Abhijeet said, "It is not a controversy. It is a question of national integrity."

Some Pakistani singers stay in the houses of politicians, he alleged and said government should debar Indian musicians from going there just like cricketers are not allowed to go. "I have taken a pledge never to go there."

Raising several questions, he said, "Why do they (Pakistani musicians) extend visas… Why do they come here and say they are British passport holders?"

To allegations that he was jealous, Abhijeet said, "Yes, I am. In my own land someone else is making money… Pakistan is our enemy."

He said it was not a communal issue and his complaint was against the Indian government's policy.

To a question if he did not feel cultural exchanges should deepen relations, he said there was no exchange here.

Singh recalled his trip to Islamabad in 1980 on the invitation of the Indian Embassy and said, "It was a backdoor entry, not a direct one."

He said though there were several programmes there, he did not officially get permission for a public function and within 10-15 days he was asked to return to India.

PTI