The Shiv Sena, a Hindu right-wing party which leads Mumbai"™s civic body, attacked a press conference by a Pakistani band at the Press Club of Mumbai on Tuesday.
Shiv Sena workers barged into the press club in the afternoon and demanded that the Sufi band, Mekaal Hasan Band, be sent back to Pakistan.
The band, which uses both classical and modern musical instruments, was using the press club as a venue to announce its concerts with Indian musicians later this year, said Gurbir Singh, president of the press club. He said more than 20 Sena workers protested outside the press club and later entered the premises, tearing up banners and throwing around chairs. No one was injured, Mr. Singh added.
Around 20 workers have been detained by the police, according to area deputy commissioner of police Ravindra Shiswe.
The band was dismayed by the violence.
"This is a setback. It"™s bad for relations with India, it"™s bad for music," said Masood Hasan, the Lahore-based manager of the band and father of one of its members. Mr. Hasan said that this may lead them to cancel their upcoming concerts and an album launch in India.
The Shiv Sena frequently tries to prevent Pakistanis from performing in India. Last year, it opposed the invitation of Pakistani cricket players to India.
Shiv Sena spokesman Rahul Narwekar said"the manner of the protest is not important but the principle is important." He said the Sena does not believe that Pakistan is taking steps to improve relations with India."We will not allow (India) to be exploited for commercial gains," Mr. Narwekar said.