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BAMYAN, Afghanistan, July 13-- Many people outside Afghanistan may think that the militancy-plagued country is the breeding center of extremism and terrorist groups that export mercenaries to destabilize the globe but reality on the ground is different from whatever portrayed by militant groups. The insurgency-hit Afghanistan is a peace-loving country and the war-weary Afghans by promoting social activities including music and arranging music festivals want to feature another face of the insurgency-battered land. To have sigh of relief and say "no" to extremism, terrorism and insurgent groups, the Afghan youth held a grand music party in the central Bamyan province on July 3 where the art fans and singers from across the country attended to show their talents. Once a cradle of Buddhism, the picturesque Bamyan was the home of two giant Buddhas status until March 2001 when the Taliban fighters dynamited the pair amid national and international community's outrage and criticism. Afghans have arranged series of music festivals since the collapse of the Taliban reign and dynamiting of giant Buddhas in Bamyan to express support to peace, stability, cultural heritages and human civilizations. But this time was different as around 15,000 people from all walks of life including countless foreigners attended the five-day gala held close to the destroyed giant Buddhas. "It was a big event that could bring together thousands of people from across Afghanistan to enjoy the live music and say no to militancy and conflicts," a spectator woman Zahra Hussaini told Xinhua. | 
