Kashmiri singer Qazi Touqeer’s concert cancelled after authorities withhold permission

Kashmiri singer Qazi Touqeer, who rose to fame after winning a national music reality show in 2005, has said that his much-anticipated concert in the Valley was cancelled at the last minute after the authorities withheld permission.

Touqeer had initially planned to hold the concert on September 14, but the event was later rescheduled for September 17. Speaking to The Tribune, he expressed disappointment and frustration over the cancellation.

“It has been my dream to perform in the Valley, in front of my own people,” he said. “We invite artists from outside to perform at various events in Kashmir. I just wanted to do the same as a local artist.”

According to him, the authorities had initially granted permission for the September 14 show, which was later revoked. Fresh permission was then issued for the September 17 event, prompting him to announce the concert on social media. However, just ahead of the scheduled date, authorities again withheld the clearance.

“The event was cancelled after authorities informed me I couldn’t go ahead with it,” Touqeer said.

He also mentioned that a video surfaced on social media before September 14, criticising the planned concert. The video was later deleted, but it reportedly contributed to the cancellation atmosphere.

Touqeer said that artists and equipment, including sound systems, had been brought in from outside the region for the event. “I’ve suffered losses worth lakhs of rupees. Who will compensate for that?” he asked.

The singer has now appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and allow him to perform in his homeland. “I receive invitations to perform across the country. But the unfortunate truth is that I am not allowed to perform in my own homeland,” he said. “I humbly request L-G Sahab and Omar Sahab to step in and let the show happen.”

Following the cancellation, social media users have rallied in support of Touqeer, criticising the decision and expressing solidarity with the artist. PDP leader Iltija Mufti also reacted to the development, calling the cancellation unfortunate. “Even after back-to-back administrative bottlenecks over permissions, the show was finally cancelled. It’s really sad,” she said.