IIT-B skeptical about having Pakistani teams in their biggest fest of the year as Indo-Pak tensions escalate

When two countries are at war, it's not the state that suffers as much as the people residing in it. This stands true for four aggrieved Pakistan students, who now may not get a chance to be a part of IIT Bombay's biggest annual fest, due to the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.

All four students are from Karachi, and had registered for Techfest slated to be held in December this year. Just when they were excited and busy preparing for the competition, it has come to their knowledge that the organisers of the event are giving another thought to the invitation sent to the Pakistani students owing to security reasons.

Meanwhile, the students have conveyed they have no problem visiting India. They have even applied for visas much before time fearing it might get delayed due to cross-border tensions, however, they claim there havebeen delays in accpeting the formalities.

Notably, IIT techfest - IIT Bombay's science and technology festival - usually gets about 1.65 lakh footfalls in three days, and security is a prime concern. Similar controversies during fest season have taken place before as well. Students at IIT Bombay claim that a band from Pakistan was invited for the festival two years ago, but it was not able to perform due to fear of the crowds.

Going by the past, the organizers are unsure of whether the Pakistani participants will be welcomed by the crowds at the fest this time around, and if not, whether they will be able to handle security all by themselves. Also, with MNS threatening Pakistani actors to go back to their country, the college fears getting caught in political controversy around the issue, due to which techfest's image could take a beating.

It's being said that only after having discussions with the institute and, if required, at the government level, will the committee take a final call on the Pakistani students.