Pakistan kite festival lost to violence

[maddezmom]

Pakistan kite festival lost to violence By ASIF SHAHZAD, Associated Press Writer
1 minute ago



LAHORE, Pakistan - A festival that draws thousands to Pakistan's cultural capital to usher in spring by flying colorful kites has fallen victim to the country's violence and political turmoil.


Lahore's annual Basant celebration usually occurs over a weekend in February or March. But this year, spring came with no sign of the festival.

Sohail Janjua, a city government spokesman, said Basant was first postponed because of national mourning for former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated in late December.

The Feb. 18 parliamentary elections further delayed the festival, he said. And it was indefinitely put on hold after three suicide attacks struck Lahore last month, including two that killed 27 people and wounded more than 200 on March 11.

more:http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080411/ap_on_re_as/pakistan_kite_festival;_ylt=AteTC4uFeyCk4k0cKncTzxEBxg8F

[provis99]

1. how long til some Buddist cultist blames the Chinese?