Tribune News Service Ludhiana June 25 Artistes from the entertainment industry today held a protest at Jalandhar Bypass to protest against the indifferent attitude of the government towards them. The Covid-19 pandemic has been weighing heavy on artistes from the entertainment industry. It has been 18 months since restrictions have been imposed on social gatherings with no lavish functions and parties taking place. Left with no other option a few artists from the state have also died by suicide as they were unable to carry on with their lives without any source of income. Bunty Pardhan from Sangeet Parivar said it had been 18 months that artistes were without work and it had become difficult to meet ends. “Even the ration kits were given only once or twice to artistes. The government has not thought about us since then. One and a half year is a long time and the government has to think about our survival too. Everything is open now. Even liquor vends were never closed during the lockdown. Why are artists being made to suffer?” he said. “Around five to eight artistes from the state have died by suicide as they were unable to sustain their livelihood. The real number may be more as there are many small artists who were living in poverty during the lockdown” he said. “Many artistes have taken up odd jobs and started working as daily workers and construction workers. They are not suitable for these jobs and facing problems there as well” he added.

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