Satinder Sartaaj announces decision to refrain from shows in Chandigarh; know why

PTC Web Desk: Renowned Punjabi singer and poet Satinder Sartaaj has decided to halt his performances in Chandigarh, citing repeated issues with the local administration and 'police misconduct'. In a letter sent to the Punjab Government, Sartaaj's manager Tarandeep Bajaj has highlighted the challenges faced during the singer's shows, including improper handling of permissions, forced entry by unauthorised people, and disruptions caused by the local authorities.

"We brought this issue to the attention of the Chandigarh Administration and the DGP after a recent show, where police misbehavior created problems for ticket-holding attendees. Unfortunately, we received no response from either party," reads the letter. 

He highlighted a recurring problem, where local departments delay issuing permits until the last minute, often demanding free passes as a condition. Even after securing permissions, police personnel allow unauthorised people into the show, frequently taking seats meant for paying ticket holders. "This happened twice in Chandigarh. It is not easy to vacate these seats, causing inconvenience to genuine attendees, especially families," reads the letter. 

Sartaaj's manager also reflected on how his ticketed shows have transformed the concert culture in Punjab, providing a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for families, particularly women and children. "Before this, Punjabi music was largely confined to weddings, fairs, or kabaddi events, which were not suitable environments for women and children," he noted.

Appealing to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Sartaaj's manager urged the adoption of a 'one-window' system to streamline permissions for events. "Artists should be able to submit a single application, with the government managing the rest. This will create an environment where performances can be organised peacefully," he said.