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Centre raises red flag, Moose Wala’s ‘SYL’ removed from YouTube
The official video of the song, which touches upon several controversial issues of Punjab, including the SYL (short for Sutlej-Yamuna Link) issue, is restricted for viewing in India, however, it continues to be trending globally, and also comes up on the chart of trending songs in India on YouTube
Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala’s posthumously released song SYL, which had garnered nearly 28 million views and 3.3 million likes on his YouTube page within two days, was blocked for viewing in India following a legal complaint filed by the government.
The official video of the song, which touches upon several controversial issues of Punjab, including the SYL (short for Sutlej-Yamuna Link) issue, is restricted for viewing in India, however, it continues to be trending globally, and also comes up on the chart of trending songs in India on YouTube.
The song is also available on other audio-sharing platforms while the 14-second teaser, released on Moose Wala’s official Facebook and Instagram pages, is also accessible.
The YouTube link, meanwhile, shows the message, “This content is not available on this country domain due to a legal complaint from the government.”
As per information, the government has objected to the streaming of the song as the SYL issue, which has been a bone of contention between Punjab and Haryana for over four decades, is still sub-judice. Further, it has also raised concerns over some visuals in the video.
The song talks about undivided Punjab, the 1984 anti-Sikh Riots, Sikh prisoners’ release and its videos show the Sikh flag being hoisted at the Red Fort during the farmers’ agitation.
Family terms move unjust, says will explore legal options
Moose Wala’s family has termed the government’s decision to ban the song on YouTube unjust and asked the government to withdraw the complaint.
Chamkaur Singh, the elder brother of Moose Wala’s father, said that he has spoken to his brother Balkaur Singh (Moose Wala’s father) and they have not got any notice regarding the SYL song.
“The song raises issues of Punjab and its people, it should not be banned. Sidhu had raised the voice of Punjab through his song and it should be allowed to reach everyone. They can ban the song, but they cannot take Sidhu out of people’s hearts. On the behalf of his father and family, I condemn the government’s decision. We will discuss legal options with our lawyers,” he added.
Criticism from political quarters
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) tweeted “Sidhu Moosewala’s song #SYL captures Punjabis’ sentiments on Riparian principle on river waters and on Bandi Singhs. Any move to ban it on any pretext would be ill advised and against the Punjabis’ democratic rights and freedom of expression. Shiromani Akali Dal opposes any such move (sic).”
Moose Wala’s fans were also left fuming
Sukhmanpreet Singh, a fan of the singer, wrote on Twitter: “This is not democracy where you silence the voice of people.”
Harmeet Singh Brar, another fan, tweeted,”SYL can be removed from YouTube but cannot be removed from hearts.”
Moosewala was shot dead on May 29 at Jawahar Ke village in Punjab’s Mansa a day after the state government curtailed his security cover. The song was written, sung, and composed by Sidhu and was recorded weeks before his death. It was officially released on June 23, but it had been leaked on social media platforms a day before.
