Why is dead Khalistan issue in India finding fertile ground in Canada?
India tour was canceled, and sponsorship deals were withdrawn. This sudden change in fortunes comes in the wake of a controversial social media post and escalating tensions between India and Canada.
Shubh's case highlights the influence of pop culture, particularly rap music, in propagating pro-Khalistani sentiments, inadvertently adding fuel to the diplomatic fire.
Just a few months ago, Shubh shared a distorted map of India on social media with the caption 'Pray for Punjab,' hinting at a pro-Khalistan stance. Although he later deleted the post, the damage was done.
Diplomatic relations between India and Canada reached new lows this week when Canadian PM Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an accusation that India vehemently dismissed as 'absurd.' As the war of words deepens, Shubh faces the consequences of his actions.
Pop Goes Propaganda: Pop culture, particularly rap music, has played a significant role in the dissemination of Khalistani propaganda. Shubh is not alone in pandering to the Khalsa sentiment and glorifying violence.
Other Canada-based artists with massive followings, like Punjabi singer AP Dhillon and his hit 'Brown Munde,' have also shared similar posts that were later deleted. Songs like Jazzy B's 'Putt Sardar De' and Sidhu Moosawala's 'SYL' glorify militant figures and gangster culture often erroneously linked to the Sikh community.
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