The meet is among a series of programmes being organised in the city in the wake of the developments in Kargil. A meeting to create awareness among the public about the developments across the Line of Actual Control will also be held late tonight.

Other programmes include a Shanti Yatra on Thursday by Jai Jawan Nagrik Samiti, an outfit floated by non-governmental organisations in Varachha. The Yatra will start from Sardar Statue and pass through several areas of the city to create a feeling of patriotism among the people.

The samiti, which draws its members from Surat Diamond Association, Saurashtra Patel Seva Samaj, Saurashtra Kelavani Mandal, Saurashtra Patidar Social Trust, Varachha Medical Association and Loksamarpan Raktadaan Kendra, has also organised a blood donation camp on Wednesday. The samiti plans to collect minimum 1000 bottles of blood during the camp.

The samiti has opened bank accounts too and started collecting funds that will be given to the families of slain soldiers. Two leading diamond merchants have already deposited Rs 3 lakh each, while employees of a diamond unit have decided to donate a day's salary towards the fund.

Close on the heels of Kargil Brigade set up by the BJP's Youth Morcha, a similar outfit, `Kargil Force', has been formed in Varachha. The Force held its first meeting in Super Diamond Market a couple of days ago to decide on steps to be taken in the event of a war.

Precautions to be taken in case of a war, scotching of rumours, action against black marketeers and prevention of civil war were among the topics that were discussed at the meeting. The members also decided to collect relevant information from all sources, including the Internet, and draw an action plan accordingly.

While an office, that will remain open throughout the day, has already been set up by the Force, the members will collect details of slain soldiers and monitor the flow of monetary help.

The show of solidarity with the country and its soldiers has also been matched by equal amount of protest to denounce Pakistan's role in the developments. Every day effigies of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan flag are being burnt in the city as also in the neighbouring towns of South Gujarat.

Even the Congress party -- which had not taken to the streets over the issue -- have now joined the BJP's youth wing that has been registering its protest since the `war like' situation broke out in Kargil.

Meanwhile, Surtis let off crackers on Sunday night after Pakistan's humiliating loss to Australia in the World Cup. Interestingly, no one seemed to mind these `unusual celebrations' and took it as a show of patriotism. As the celebrations continued for a long time, policemen -- fearing trouble in communal sensitive areas -- remained on guard throughout the night.

Most crackers were let off in Rander locality, dominated by the minority community. It maybe mentioned that though the prohibitory orders issued by the police banning bursting of crackers are still in force, it was completely disregarded by the public.