LAHORE, March 18: A delegation of Old Ravians from Chandigarh, India, has stressed that the ongoing peace process should continue to strengthen relationships.

The 18-member delegation led by Chandigarh Old Ravians secretary GS Dhillon was talking to reporters after crossing through Wagah on Thursday. The delegation was received by Old Ravians Union secretary Khalid Manzoor Butt and others.

Mr Dhillon said both the people had gained nothing during the last 54 years of confrontation. He stressed that both the governments should seriously consider the welfare of poor people.

He said the members were overwhelmed on reaching Lahore. They felt no difference in environment of this city and their city, he added. Mr Dhillon said the goodwill visits of the people should continue. He also called for the strengthening of trade and cultural relations through bilateral exchanges.

Besides Mr Dhillon, the delegation members are: Mr and Mrs J. S. Bawa, Mr and Mrs H. S. Randhawa, Mr and Mrs B. S. Grewal, Mr and Mrs Gurindarjit Singh, Mr and Mrs Charanjit Singh, Col R. S. Bawa (retired), B. S. Sodhi, K. P. S. Dhillon, Inderbeer Bawa, P. K. Puri, B. S. Mangat and Ms Anita Bains.

ORU secretary Khalid Manzoor Butt told Dawn that the delegation members besides attending the Government College University's 140th Founders Day dinner on Saturday, would attend dinners hosted by Old Ravians. Mr Butt said another delegation of nine old Ravians from Delhi was expected to reach Lahore through Wagah on Friday (today).

Chandigarh Old Ravians president Harcharn Singh Brar, a former chief minister of Punjab and Haryana governor, had reached Lahore a couple of days ago to attend the Founders Day dinner. The delegation will return home on March 25.