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First they were questioned for their silence. Then for their activism. For Punjabi singers and artistes, who sprung a surprise by quickly mobilising people against Centres three farm legislations, the battle is continuous and one that they have now decided not to abandon till the ‘victory is achieved.’
After some farm leaders questioned their mode of protest and “seriousness”, now 31 farmer unions have formed a seven-member panel to coordinate with a committee of artistes in Punjab over a campaign against the Centre. Here’s how it all began
Silence not golden
In early September, there was a flurry of social media posts questioning the alleged silence of the Punjabi artistes community vis a vis farmers’ agitation that was warming up in state.
Slowly some artistes started expressing solidarity with farmers on social media. It, however, led to naming and shaming of those singers and actors who were still silent on the issue.
Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala was the prime target especially as his songs often portray him as a village boy. Later, Moosewala clarified that he had sought permission from a farmers’ union to attend their protest, which was declined on the ground that his presence could create distraction in gathering.
Moosewala then went to create his own outfit and organised a huge gathering in Mansa on September 25, the day a call for Punjab Bandh and Bharat Bandh was given. To get protesters to his gathering, he had given a call on social media.
Another gathering, biggest on the day of Bandh, was organised at Shambu...