Social media influencer Javed Khan has cancelled his scheduled Garba performances in Jaipur on October 17 and 18 following alleged threats from members of Hindu organisations over his participation as a Muslim artist.
Khan said members of two organisations had warned event organisers that they would stage protests and disrupt the programmes if he was allowed to perform. He subsequently returned the advance payments he had received for the events.
Organisers Warned Of Protests
Khan said the organisers received phone calls warning them of possible protests and disruptions if he took part in the Garba celebrations.
Explaining his decision to withdraw, Khan said he did not want his participation to affect the people attending the events.
“Attending the event was not a problem for me, but they could have disrupted it after I left. Those attending the Garba would have suffered. So I thought it was better not to attend if my presence was creating so much controversy,” Khan said.
He added that many people had made preparations for the events but were left disappointed because of the opposition to his participation.
Javed Khan Plans To File Police Complaint
Khan accused certain organisations of using such incidents to gain publicity. He said he planned to meet the Jaipur Police Commissioner and submit a written complaint about the alleged threats.
Ravi Patel, who organised one of the events at Moils Club in Jaipur, said he had received calls from members of the Sanatan Suraksha Dal.
According to Patel, the callers warned him that the programme would be disrupted if a non-Hindu artist was allowed to perform.
Sanatan Suraksha Dal Confirms Protest
Members of the Sanatan Suraksha Dal confirmed that the organisation would protest if a non-Hindu artist participated in the event.
