A popular band from Pakistan was denied permission to hold a music concert here last evening due to security reasons.
The band, Sachal Jazz Ensemble, includes artistes from Britain and was scheduled to perform at NCPA, a premier cultural institution in South Mumbai.
However, police declined to give green signal for the event citing security reasons and the organiser was conveyed the decision on Sunday, a day before the concert.
"Permission (for the concert) was not given keeping the law and order situation in mind," Deputy Commissioner of Police (spokesperson) Dhananjay Kulkarni said today.
"The organiser was informed about it on Sunday," he added.
The band members include Nijat Ali (conductor), Nafees Khan (sitar), Baqar Abbas (flute), Ballu Khan (tabla), Rafiq Ahmed (naal), Najaf Ali (dholak, mardang), Asad Ali (guitar) and UK artistes Phillep Achille (harmonica and double bass) and Steve Lodder (piano).
Unaware of denial of permission, a 1,000-strong crowd gathered at the venue to see the world-renowned band perform but the fans were left disappointed and had to leave the place.
The band reportedly performed without any hitch in Delhi and Pune a few days ago before arriving here.
In February this year, a press conference attended by members of a music band from Pakistan was disrupted in Mumbai by Shiv Sena workers.
