Srinagar, Nov 28 (KNS): AIR-approved singer and music arranger Aijaz Sahir has alleged that the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages is engaging in discriminatory practices in the selection and booking of artists for its musical programmes and events.

In a written appeal to the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Sahir stated that the Academy expected to promote cultural inclusivity has been repeatedly booking a “specific lobby of artists,” while others, including approved performers, are being left out.

Sahir said that despite being an AIR-approved artist with “substantial contributions” to the field of music, he and several others have been “systematically excluded” from the Academy’s events “without any justified reason.” He claimed that the exclusion is not based on merit but on “affiliations” that allow certain artists to enjoy preferential treatment.

According to Sahir, two officials overseeing the selection process identified in his letter as Zahoor Ahmad and Asadullah told him that their booking decisions were influenced by “directives purportedly originating from the Governor’s office,” which he says restrict them to selecting only specific artists.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Sahir alleged that this practice has created an unequal environment in which many eligible artists are denied performance opportunities. He stated that such exclusion affects livelihoods and damages the confidence of artists who work to contribute to the cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

In his appeal, Sahir has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to order an inquiry into the Academy’s current selection and booking system.

He has further urged the government to implement a transparent, fair, and merit-based mechanism, along with a roster system to ensure equal representation of all approved artists.

Sahir said that corrective measures would help restore fairness within the institution and address concerns raised by multiple artists who feel they have been overlooked.(KNS)