Upset by the re-emergence of Pakistani artists on social media channels, India the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate digital media blackout of all Pakistani social media accounts and media channels featuring artists, influencers, and entertainment entities from the neighbouring county.
In its appeal to the Prime Minister, the AICWA said: “It is deeply concerning and absolutely unacceptable that social media accounts of Pakistani artists like Mawra Hocane, Yumna Zaidi and several Pakistan-based channels are once again visible in India”.
Alluding to the various Pakistani-linked terror attacks including 26/11 mayhem, Pulwama, Uri and Pahalgam attacks, the AICWA said: “This is not merely a digital appearance — it is a direct insult to the sacrifice of our martyred soldiers and an emotional assault on every Indian who lost a loved one in terror attacks perpetrated by Pakistan”
“Let the nation not forget — Pakistan was, is, and will remain a terrorist nation. From 26/11 Mumbai attacks to Pulwama, Uri and Pahalgam, Pakistan has
consistently waged war on India through terrorism. Thousands of our brave soldiers have laid down their lives on the borders protecting this land, and hundreds of innocent civilians have been victims of Pakistan-sponsored terror,” the cinema workers’ body said.
“After Operation Sindoor, instead of showing remorse, several Pakistani artists have shamelessly spoken against India. Their visible presence on Indian digital platforms today is a betrayal to every soldier who was martyred and every family still grieves,” the AICWA said.
Maintaining that in the midst of grief entertaining or promoting any Pakistani face or voice on Indian soil was not just “unjustified” and “unforgivable”, the AICWA said that it firmly believed that India -- which has diplomatic contacts with nearly 2o0 nations, should consider cutting off links with Pakistan
“Cutting off Pakistan completely will have zero negative impact on our economy or entertainment industry. Pakistan has already banned Indian movies and content from being released in its territory since the Pulwama attack. Why then are Pakistani artists being allowed exposure and platform in India?,” it asked.
The AICWA said that as long as Pakistani blood is on the hands of our enemies, no trace of Pakistan should be allowed on Indian soil — not on our screens, not in our films, and not on our social media.
Reiterating its stand against Pakistan artists should not be allowed to feature in Indian social media channels, the AICWA said: “We will continue to resist, protest and oppose any attempt to normalize cultural ties with Pakistan. The ban on Pakistani artists and content will never be lifted as long as Pakistan continues to export terrorism to our land”
Among other things, the AICWA urged the Prime Minister and the Government of India to: enforce an immediate nationwide digital blackout of all Pakistani social media accounts and media channels and ban all future collaborations or promotions involving Pakistani citizens in Indian media, OTT platforms, and advertising.
The cine workers’ body also Modi to declare a permanent cultural disconnect from Pakistan, “as a mark of respect to the Indian Armed Forces and the families of our martyrs”.