It's independence days!

- 16 August 2007

FLYING THE FLAG: Children celebrating Indian independence

IT WAS a double celebration for the area's Pakistanis and Indians as they marked the 60th anniversary of their respective countries' independence this week.

Two new self-governing countries were effectively created in August 1947 when British partition resulted in the independence of Pakistan and India.

HAVING A PARTY: Shoppers and staff of Kashmir Foods celebrate Pakistan independence

The dominion of Pakistan came into existence on August 14 with the ceremony to create the state of India held the following day - both countries had achieved independence from British rule after a struggle stretching back to the 19th century.

On Tuesday, Redbridge Pakistanis celebrated the occasion and Indians marked their own independence day yesterday (Wednesday).

Bashir Chaudhry, chairman of the League of British Muslims UK, based at Ilford Community Centre, Eton Road, said: "My family still lives in Pakistan and when I was born it was all still one country, India.

"I was born quite a long time before independence and I remember Hindu and Sikh communities living together as friends - the same language and the same community in villages.

"It was only in 1947 when the divide was made that people became hostile to each other. It's a bit sad really. There has been a difficult relationship between India and Pakistan.

"It's 60 years of independence now and we need to think about what we've achieved and if all our ambitions have been realised.

"We need to think how things can be improved - there is still poverty and people looking for jobs and a roof over their heads."

Redbridge Gujarati Welfare Association threw a party to celebrate Indian independence yesterday.

The group invited local dignitaries, such as mayor Cllr Joyce Ryan and MP Mike Gapes, to visit the association at Ilford Methodist Church, Ilford Lane, to tuck into Indian food and watch children perform dances to traditional Indian music.

Chairman Ratilal Vyas said: "We celebrate the event every year and it is always very enjoyable.

"But we are first British subjects, then Indian.