LUDHIANA: Members of Sangeet (Jagran) community of Punjab on Thursday held a protest against Punjab government near Jalandhar bypass, and threatened to go on hunger strike if their demands were not met with.
Seeking relaxation in the timings, the members said the government should make it possible to organise events in the night, catering to at least 100 people, if all necessary precautions are taken.
The members said they have been facing losses for the last two years.
“Unemployment is particularly high for performing artists, because artists are much more likely to be self-employed.
Performing artists have more trouble earning money by working from home, whereas designers, writers, and even visual artists may be able to continue working, publishing, or selling their art remotely,” they said.
Pradeep Shahi, member of Sangeet Parivar Welfare Society, said, “A night of jagran, which will involve arranging decorations, tents, food, waiters and sound recording systems, will employ at least 20 to 25 people.
But the last two years, we are unable to perform and this is putting pressure on our community, as we have family to feed.” Bunty, head of Sangeet Parivar Welfare Society said the members of sangeet or jagran community were worst hit by the pandemic.
“There have been incidents in which co artists have made attempts to take their lives, as they have not been able to survive due to financial crisis.
Some families are already ruined by such painful event.
We request our government to remove restrictions and allow us to work and earn money and live life peacefully.
We are ready for future protests as well if our demands are not met within two to three days,” he added.