Indian-Americans condemn Mika's concert on Pakistani I-Day, dub it 'deplorable'

Houston: Indian-American associations of the Greater Houston area have strongly criticised singer Mika Singh, who urged his fans to join him in jointly celebrating the independence days of India and Pakistan here.

Singh, popular for his hip-hop dance tracks, is scheduled to perform in Houston, ahead of the independence days of Pakistan and India on August 14 and 15 respectively.

A statement issued by the Federation of Indian-American Associations took a strong exception to the act of "joint" celebration of the two Independence days. It demanded that Mika cancel his appearance at the Pakistani concert.

The federation includes groups like Indo-American Association of Greater Houston, India Culture Center, India House, Gujarati Samaj of Houston, Graduate Indian Student Organisation of University of Houston and Patanjali Yogpeeth.

Jiten Agarwal, representing India House, said: "It is so disturbing to see that Indian singer Mika Singh is performing in Houston against the wishes of prominent Indian-American community in Texas. We condemn any such event that hurts the sentiments of Indian American people."

Hari Dayal of Indo-American Association of Greater Houston said: "Mika's decision to perform for Pakistan Independence Day is no doubt deplorable and must be condemned."