60th anniversary of independence for Pakistan and India a landmark says councillor

12.34.57pm GMT Mon 6th Aug 2007

Cllr Kabeer Hussain

Later this month, Leeds' Pakistani and Indian communities will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of independence for their respective countries.

Hyde Park & Woodhouse councillor Kabeer Hussain, who has large Pakistani and Indian communities in his ward, explained why this year's anniversary is so special.

Councillor Kabeer Hussain (Lib Dem, Hyde Park & Woodhouse) said, "2007 is the 60th year since both Pakistan and India were declared as independent countries.

"Following the partition, a lot of Pakistanis and Indians came to Britain in search of a new life. For those people who first came over in the late forties and early fifties this will be a real landmark occasion. It is important that both the Pakistani and Indian communities acknowledge the courage those people showed when they first came to Britain all those years ago. This is a time for celebration but also a time for reflection on what was a period of great change for many."