Thursday, March 24 2005 11:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Seeking to spread the message of friendship and brotherhood between people of India and Pakistan, about 150 peace activists yesterday (Mar 23, 2005) set out from New Delhi on a march to Multan.

The march, which commenced from the tomb of Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddun, would pass through Haryana and Punjab before crossing over to Pakistan at Wagah border on April 19.

It will conclude at the tomb of saint Bahauddin Zakaria in Multan on May 11.

Though 141 Indians and 43 Pakistanis were originally scheduled to start from Delhi, only three from across the border could make it to New Delhi yesterday.

"The others could not join us as the authorities denied them visas. However, we hope they would join us on our journey," Sandeep Pandey, chief convenor of the peace march, said.

"The main aim of our march is to enhance people-to-people contact and also to impress upon the two Government the need to do away with unnecessary visa restrictions that hamper such contacts," he added.

A host of celebrities, including film director Mahesh Bhatt, actress Nandita Das and social activist Nafisa Joseph were present to express solidarity with the march. Religious leaders of various communities and Delhi University lecturer S A R Geelani were also present.

Bhatt said Pakistani film actress Meera, embroiled in a controversy over a 'kissing' scene in his film, was to be present but could not make it as she was stopped at the international airport in New Delhi because she did not have a visa for the city.