Pakistani singer Atif Aslam is the latest to join his fellow artistes to speak against India’s decision to revoke Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and making Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh into Union Territories. Atif said that he strongly condemned the “violence and tyranny being conducted against the Kashmiris”.
Atif Aslam took to Twitter to write, “Happy to share something very big with all of you. Inshallah I’ll be leaving soon for the most important journey of my life. Before departing for Hajj, I would like to ask for everyone’s forgiveness, be it fans, family, friends. Apologies for hurting anyone’s sentiments. kindly keep me in your prayers Also I strongly condemn the violence and tyranny being conducted against the Kashmiris. May Allah bless lives of the innocent in #Kashmir and all over the world.”
Twitter was quick to react. Many users said that this decision is going to benefit the people of the Valley. “And please don’t fall for any propagandas. A good decision has been taken for better future of kashmiris. They are indians. They are us. They will be protected. Let them cry for losing kashmir (as a land and resources, they don’t care about kashmiris ) Kashmir has suffered”, one user wrote.
Another said that making a statement like this just before going on a spiritual journey is very sad. “ To add a political statement when you are going for such a spiritual journey is extremely sad. Assume you will find it difficult to sing for Indian films for a long time now”, the person said.
From the chart-busters in his debut film Zeher to Qarib Qarib Single, Atif Aslam has been very popular in India. After the Uri attack in 2016, Pakistani artistes were banned in Bollywood.
Earlier, Mahira Khan had shown solidarity towards everyone affected by the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
She wrote, “Have we conveniently blocked what we don’t want to address? This is beyond lines drawn on sand, it’s about innocent lives being lost! Heaven is burning and we silently weep. #Istandwithkashmir #kashmirbleeds”
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