Raju Srivastav cancels show in Karachi, backs MNS' stand on Pak artists

New Delhi [India], Sept.24 (ANI): Indian comedian Raju Srivastav on Saturday said that he has cancelled his comedy show in Karachi which was supposed to take place on December 25, following the brutal Uri terror attack. Speaking to ANI, Srivastav said that he was saddened with the terror attack and the cancellation of his show is a symbol of protest against Pakistan. "We are artists. We cannot go to the border with guns. The anger that I have against Pakistan how will I express it. This cancellation is symbol of my anger, we support our Indian soldiers and will do like this. How can I go to Pakistan and do comedy shows," he told ANI. "This time they betrayed our trust by attacking us. Our soldiers were sleeping, unarmed. I saw one of the families of the braveheart who shouldered his grandsons' body. Seeing this how can I go to Pakistan," he added. When asked about his views on the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) 48-hours ultimatum asking Pakistani artists to leave India, Srivastav said that he supports the party's stand and urged the film industry to hire more Indian performers. "As far as MNS stand on Pakistani actors is concerned, I support them. This country has 1.2 billion people, we have top-notch artists here. I don't understand the need to hire people from across the border. Instead, more Indians should be given an opportunity. Some prominent Pakistani Ghazal artists came here and performed, some Pakistani actors are here. If they leave India, will Bollywood be shut down, will the film industry be shut-down?" he asked. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give an apt response so that no such attack takes place post Uri. "I think enough is enough and we should act immediately, I request Prime Minister Modi to take action and ensure that Uri attack be the final one," he said. Earleir, MNS Chitrapat Sena president Amey Khopkar warned Pakistani actors that they would face serious consequences in India if they do not leave within 48 hours. The Raj Thackeray-led party also threatened that they would not allow the release of film 'Ae Dil Hai Mushqil' and 'Raees' in India as they feature Pakistani actors.(ANI)