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Daler may sing for jawans on the war front

Onkar Singh in New Delhi

If all goes well, Punjabi pop singer Daler Mehndi would soon be singing Bolo Tara Ra Ra... for the officers and jawans of the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir, where they are fighting a fierce battle with the Pakistani intruders. "I would like to visit the injured jawans and officers at the base hospital in Srinagar and do my bit to raise their morale," said Daler Mehndi at a press conference held in New Delhi on Friday.

According to sources close to Daler Mehndi the pop singer has been in touch with the defence ministry to chalk out details of his proposed visit to the Valley. Though Daler Mehndi does have a tight schedule, he is keen to go to the war zone and sing for the Indian Army. "I am also ready to go to Kargil. I do have a busy schedule, but I would find time to serve my nation," he told this correspondent.

The pop singer of late has been at the receiving end of the media, which has been flooded with stories of alleged threats to him from the Dawood Ibrahim henchman Abu Salem. "I have received no threats from anyone. I have nothing to do with Dawood Ibrahim or Abu Salem. I had no conversation with the alleged don or his right-hand man. Anyone can call me on my phone and talk to me. How do I know who is talking to me," said Daler Mehndi

"The media has helped me in reaching where I am today. I plead to you that kindly do not destroy my career by giving credence to rumours. Already my shows have been hit. One such show was cancelled in Orissa on June 12 on grounds of security. I am time and again emphasising that there is no threat to me from any quarter. I have been doing my shows in Dubai for last five years and I have no problems with anybody,'' he added.

The Kargil Crisis

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