The recent cancellation of Canadian-Sikh singer Shubhneet Singh's India tour has stirred significant controversy. The storm arose from an Instagram story he shared, depicting a distorted map of India. The artist behind this contentious artwork, Amandeep Singh, known by his pseudonym "Inkquisitive," has now come forward in defense of both the singer and himself.

In a detailed note shared on his X profile this past Thursday (September 20), Amandeep expressed his dismay at becoming a target of what he describes as "cyberbullying." He asserts that the intention behind his "Panjab" artwork was solely to pray for the state of Punjab, particularly during a concerning blackout period. However, to his consternation, the perception of his piece took a stark turn. Within a span of just 24 hours, the narrative shifted from a simple prayer for Punjab to accusations of promoting agendas against Jammu and Kashmir and being affiliated with Khalistani movements.

Emphasizing his original intent, Amandeep highlighted the release date of the artwork as March 21. His main aim? To shed light on the blackout situation in Punjab. The piece showcased a policeman symbolically "switching off" the Punjab region, representing the ongoing blackout. "I painted a piece titled 'Panjab' and released this on March 21. Its entirety was to highlight the 'blackout in Panjab' and just that," Inkquisitive stated.

Addressing the controversial depiction of the northern part of the map, Amandeep clarified, "Unintentionally to offend, parts of the north side of the map were shown to be faded/missing. My focus was to highlight this area to be intentionally dark and 'not lit' due to the blackout." The artist voiced his chagrin at the misinterpretation of his work, pointing out that what he considered a common-sense representation has been blown out of proportion and misconstrued.

Amandeep Singh, or as many know him, "Inkquisitive," may have expressed that his "Panjab" artwork wasn't amongst his most evocative pieces, but its fallout continues to dominate discussions. His defense that the piece was simply a product of 'common sense' is now being scrutinized, especially when considering the depiction of northern regions such as Jammu and Kashmir. Critics argue that even if the primary objective was to emphasize the blackout in Punjab, the omission or fading of adjacent states appears unnecessary and problematic.

Acknowledging the concerns, Inkquisitive conceded that residents of the depicted areas might indeed feel neglected. He also pointed out that he had previously apologized for any inadvertent offense caused. Yet, the plot thickens as the artist shifts the blame.

A surprising twist came when Amandeep pinpointed Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut as one of the significant catalysts for the ensuing controversy. According to him, it was Ranaut who framed the distorted map within a 'Khalistani' narrative, especially after singer Shubh shared the artwork.

However, the blame game didn't end there. After holding Indian social media users and Kangana accountable, Amandeep made a sweeping allegation against the "powerheads" of the Indian entertainment and media industry. He claims that these influential figures played a substantial role in amplifying the backlash that both he and singer Shubh have faced since the inception of this map debacle.

The ripple effect of the distorted map artwork continues, with "Inkquisitive" citing major industry "powerheads" as instrumental in fueling the narrative that the artwork was a symbolic "beheading of India" and linked to the "Khalistan movement". This came into the spotlight after singer Shubh shared the artwork on his Instagram, emphasizing his intention to "support those in challenging circumstances in Panjab".

A cloud of ambiguity surrounds Amandeep's frequent use of the term "industry". While he repeatedly mentions it in his statement, it's still unclear whether he's alluding to the Punjabi music scene or some other industry altogether. The spotlight, however, remains on the intense backlash he has faced.

Amandeep Singh (Instagram) | 470 posts | 296K followers | 98 following | Illustrator | storyteller + professional dreamer

The gravity of the situation is palpable. Since the controversy's genesis, not a single day has passed without Inkquisitive confronting some form of online hostility. More concerning, he claims to have been on the receiving end of death threats, with individuals demanding the removal of the contentious 'artwork'.

A poignant aspect of this unfolding drama was when Amandeep highlighted the cancellation of Shubh's India tour. He points fingers at dominant industry figures, suggesting their decision was based more on mob sentiment than their independent research. His statement echoes the weight of the situation, noting, "since March, not a day has gone by where a death threat, to remove the artwork, has not been sent."

Amandeep Singh continues to be a focal point amidst a sea of controversies. Having played the victim card, he now firmly plants his feet in defiance, standing resolutely by his contentious artwork. After a remarkable thirteen-year stint in the art industry, Amandeep expresses astonishment over accusations of disseminating hate propaganda.

In a turn of events, Amandeep points fingers at the Indian media. He alleges they have intentionally sidestepped his original social media posts and captions concerning the artwork. He further condemns them for endorsing the so-called “cancel culture” and for allegedly aligning with the "new narrative" on the "Panjab" artwork.

Yet, it seems Inkquisitive might be striving for some damage control. In a subsequent tweet, he shared the same artwork but with a notable adjustment – this version prominently showcased the outlines of Jammu and Kashmir and other previously omitted regions.

As the saga unfolds, when revisiting the contentious artwork's original upload on Instagram from March 22, a few pertinent details emerge. OpIndia, an independent media outlet, highlighted Amandeep's lengthy caption which sheds light on his interpretation of the artwork. Singh underscores a significant event – the Indian government’s move to impose a blackout in Punjab, coupled with a shutdown of internet services, citing threats to law and order through incitements of violence. This artwork, he posits, symbolically presents the government's targeting of “Sikh activists” and “Sikh media outlets”.

Amandeep's recent statement indicates that he is unwavering in his stance. He holds that he stands firmly beside Shubh, highlighting the adversities of existing in a "toxic world" where those with power often dictate narratives, overshadowing the genuine intentions of individuals.

However, Amandeep's own artwork raises eyebrows and elicits probing questions. If his sole intent was to emphasize the blackout in Punjab, why then were the depictions of Punjab conflated with Haryana? Furthermore, the omission of the seven northeastern states remains an artistic choice that demands an explanation. The rationale behind such significant omissions becomes even more puzzling, especially when considering the political and social undertones attached to these regions.

The layers of this controversy further deepen when, on March 23, 2023, rapper Shubhneet Singh, known in the music world as Shubh, showcased a distorted map of India on his Instagram story, captioned "Pray for Punjab". This particular rendition was missing pivotal regions including the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and the North-eastern states. What makes this even more contentious is its timing. The post emerged during a sensitive period when the Punjab Police was actively searching for Khalistani terrorist, Amritpal Singh. It's worth noting that Shubh had previously expressed support for Khalistani elements.

The series of events underscores the crucial balance artists must strike. While artistic freedom is a cherished right, it must be wielded with a sense of responsibility, especially when their creations have the potential to stir deep-rooted sentiments and inadvertently further political agendas.

Twitter post

A National Outcry: India's Response to Artistic Missteps

In what seems to be a united stand against misrepresentation, the recent controversy involving Shubhneet Singh, known by his stage name Shubh, has resonated across the Indian community, both nationally and internationally. The magnitude of the uproar was such that it not only reached the common citizen but also echoed in the chambers of influential personalities and corporations.

The BJP Yuva Morcha Mumbai President, Tajinder Singh Tiwana, did not hold back in expressing his concern. He promptly submitted a memorandum to the police, charging Shubh with the distortion of the Indian map and fervently requested the initiation of legal proceedings against the Canadian singer.

The cricketing community, which often remains apolitical, also showcased its disapproval. Renowned cricketers such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya severed their social media ties with the singer, unfollowing Shubh on Instagram. This gesture speaks volumes about the sentiment among those in the public eye and their stand on issues of national importance.

Commercial entities took swift actions, further demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of this incident. BoAt, a prominent brand sponsoring Shubhneet Singh's music tour in India, immediately retracted its support and sponsorship. In an age where brand associations can make or break public perception, this decision by BoAt is a clear testament to the gravity of the situation. Moj, a widely-used short-video sharing platform owned by Sharechat, furthered the cascade of responses by removing the singer's songs, hinting at the artist's Khalistani sympathies.

In summary, the repercussions of the artist's actions were felt at various levels of society, from the political corridors to the sporting arenas and the corporate boardrooms. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate balance between freedom of expression and the responsibilities that come with a public platform. It underlines the need for thoughtful consideration in matters that touch upon the sentiments of a diverse and passionate nation.