Canada-based Punjabi singer Shubhneet Singh, popularly known as Shubh, expressed his disappointment as his India tour got canceled following allegations of his support for Khalistan. Shubh clarified his intent was only to pray for Punjab amid reports of electricity and internet shutdowns in the state.
The controversy started when Shubh shared a distorted map of India on his Instagram story in January, omitting the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and the Northeastern states. Alongside the map, he wrote, “Pray for Punjab,” which led to significant backlash on social media. Later, he replaced the image with a text-only message, “Pray for Punjab.”
Shubh’s Post on Instagram
Shubh denied any wrongdoing, explaining that he shared the map out of concern for Punjab’s reported issues. He claimed he didn’t intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments.
His India tour was canceled by BookMyShow following a social media boycott call. Since the controversy, Indian cricketers Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya unfollowed Shubh on Instagram.
The cancellation of Shubh’s tour adds to the recent strain in relations between India and Canada. Canada accused India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June, leading to the expulsion of India’s intelligence chief in Ottawa. India rejected the allegation, describing it as “absurd” and “motivated.” In response, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat.
Check out: Disney in Talks with Reliance for Hotstar Sale Following IPL Rights LossThe controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding discussions related to Khalistan and the potential diplomatic fallout from such matters.
