Date article online: 03/07/2006

Liberal Democrat Councillor, Mohammad Sharif has expressed his concern regarding the insensitivity of the date of the Mela to be held at Springfield Park.
 
Councillor Sharif, Rochdale's Portfolio Holder for Regeneration said: "Whilst I have always supported Melas in the past, I really do feel that choice of date, 7 July, is quite insensitive when you bear in mind the events of just a year ago.  This really is a significant date, and although the Mela in Rochdale is good thing for community cohesion, I think the date they have chosen is wrong.
 
"I am surprised and disapointed that certain 'community leaders', who were quick enough last year to make comments to the media, regarding their anguish over the 7 July bombings seem to have forgotten the significance of this date.  Nationwide, this is going to be a day of quiet reflection and remembrance of the terrible events in London last year, when people of all races and religions lost their lives.  What is happening in Rochdale?  A funfair and music in Springfield Park!  I really do think that the people organising the Mela should reconsider and as an appropriate gesture, postpone the event!"
 
Councillor Sharif continued: "My colleagues, Zulf Ali, Christine Akram and Khalid Mahmood and I will be calling on all mosques to remember those innocent victims in our Friday prayers and pray for peace and reconciliation throughout the world."