Protests, as Israeli play begins at Delhi fest

New Delhi, Nov 4 (IANS) More than 50 protestors under the banner of the Indian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (INCABI) Sunday demanded boycott of a musical production by the Israeli ensemble Cameri Theatre here because the theatre group allegedly serves as a propaganda tool for the state of Israel.

The theatre group's production of the musical "Stempenyu" was being held at the Siri Fort Auditorium as part of the sixth edition of the Delhi International Art Festival.

Organisers of the Delhi International Art Festival had said earlier that they would go ahead with the production as scheduled, as the festival is a forum for cultural diplomacy, where all countries having diplomatic ties with India are invited to participate.

The production began at 7 p.m. amid tight security with protestors shouting: "No to Israeli apartheid!"

The protestors also distributed pamphlets and urged guests to desist from watching the play.