Pakistan bans Indian Channels: Art versus Politics debate is back
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has banned the broadcast of all Indian channels with effect from October 15 in retaliation to the ban imposed on Pakistani artists by IMPPA.
Indian Motion Picture Producers Association IMPPA had passed a resolution against all Pakistani artists and technicians from working in India in solidarity with the national spirit in wake of Uri attack. Pakistani cinemas have also been told to stop screening of all Indian movies. The ban will continue till the situations return to normalcy.
The action taken by the IMPPA has sort mixed response from the film industry. Art knows no boundaries but in times of dire crisis, the duty towards nation surpasses all other truths. Art never spreads hatred or terror. It has always brought people together irrespective of everything. However, the action has gone to prove the solidarity of Indians in extreme situations which is need of the hour.
The debate:
The ban has brought to fore the debate on art versus politics. The supporters of culture rest on their argument on the pretext that ban on artists from any background is an attack on culture and art. Culture cannot thrive in isolation and it grows when it interacts with other cultures and other people. Any society which restricts art will ultimately face starvation of variety and intellectual diversity. The ban has been associated with the deep-rooted hatred and will further damage the peace and security of the region. Contrarily, if the artists and art was allowed to prevail it would only spread love and harmony. India could have used the gesture in diplomacy at the world stage. The people in favor of ban on the other hand have stood behind the decision as this is an unusual situation and is a befitting tribute to the soldiers who have been killed at Uri. Also, the decision to revoke all trade relations with Pakistan also involves Indian Film Industry. Furthermore the supporters of the attack highlight the deafening silence maintained by the Pakistani actors in case of any terrorist strike in India. Despite the horrific incidence, there have been absolutely no reactions from them. India has been open to art and talent and people come from across the globe to try their luck. Indian film industry has many people from foreign lands who have made a fortune here. However, nothing can flow in with the blood which the dastardly terror strikes have unleashed. Art and culture have an important place but nothing can come in way of the nationhood.
The two sides of the debate have their own points in place. The ban will not hamper art as such as this is not a normal situation. Banning of Pakistani artists will not hurt Indian industry much. Likewise, the ban on Indian media channels in Pakistan will not bring much loss to the Indian industry. It may however send distress waves in public about the deteriorating situation along the border. It would have been a better possibility that artists and players on both sides of the border came together to condemn the attacks on Indian soldiers and express their solidarity with humanity. This would have brought more credibility to the claims of art being border-less and completely divorced from politics.
The recent tensions will continue to rise unless stern steps against terrorist outfits thriving on Pakistani soils are not taken. The world needs to stand up against any act of terror happening anywhere. Terrorism is a shameful way of displaying self-worth in name of God or religion. There can be no justification for such incidences and Pakistan should work to cleanse its own territory from this growing menace before planning any kind of retaliation of any form.
