Irish band U2 is known for its humanitarian efforts but even they’re turning a blind eye on Kashmir. Pakistanis are calling out the band for ignoring the humanitarian crisis in Kashmir for money.
It all started when U2 shared that their The Joshua Tree Tour 2019 is heading to Mumbai, India.
'Bono, what are you doing on December 15th 2019?' First ever @U2 show in India that's what, as The Joshua Tree Tour 2019 heads to Mumbai. Presales from next Tuesday, September 24 – https://t.co/L3R9jRe5xe#U2 #TheJoshuaTreeTour2019 #DYPatilStadium #Mumbai #India pic.twitter.com/tjr1ov4249
— U2 (@U2) September 18, 2019
The backlash was quick. This is the band’s first tour in India and they couldn’t have picked a worse time. Actually, given how politically active U2’s lead singer Bono is, we are surprised he really didn’t do his homework regarding the country he’s about to perform in.
The reactions were swift. Here’s what some people are saying about the band’s ill-advised tour to India:
Do sing 'Where the streets have no name' for #Kashmir https://t.co/8idVQZSN2E
— Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) September 18, 2019
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Do you realise that 8 million people are under siege in Kashmir? Perhaps you should reconsider and register your protest given your claimed commitment to human rights?
— Nida Kirmani (@NidaKirmani) September 18, 2019
Shame on @u2 for ignoring India’s brutal annexation and continued occupation of #Kashmir.
Deleted the library of U2 songs on my @Spotify.
Encourage all decent human beings to do the same. https://t.co/BWZwqBilLj
— Mosharraf Zaidi (@mosharrafzaidi) September 18, 2019
From calling out the band over their hypocritical stance on human rights. to subtle jibes and harsh insults, U2 just couldn’t get a break.
https://twitter.com/MariaMMcGowan/status/1174170008882155520
https://twitter.com/Abu_Sami68/status/1174211324437569539
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People called out the band for selling out for money. Netizens are really doubling down on the dual standards here. U2 holds concerts for HIV/AIDs patients but a 42 day old (and counting) prison imposed by India over Kashmiris doesn’t matter to them.
Oh so the human rights defender dude Bono will be doing a show in a country that has kept 8 million people under siege and stripped them of basic human rights? Buy your tickets now! https://t.co/OgPwr3zNEI
— Shaheryar Mirza (@mirza9) September 18, 2019
https://twitter.com/ShahbazSpeed/status/1174212250720264195
Self claimed politically correct money grabbing Irish twats
— The ZigZag (@waseema83343835) September 18, 2019
"I won't heed the battle call.." well, apparently you will, on the side of the oppressor because you know, sales and money.
— Saqib Khan (@saqikhan) September 18, 2019
Performing for fascists? #KashmirStillUnderCurfew for the sixth week running
— RAK (@Jinnah2Imran) September 18, 2019
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Then again when artists like Lorde, Lauryn Hill, and Coldplay boycotted Israel in support of the BDS Movement, U2 went ahead and sold tickets.
& everyone of those people & everyone everywhere in the world who are not in a good place have my prayers and best wishes… but @u2 have avoided playing these countries for years.fxxk it let's do this
— ed dunne (theshev1) (@theshev1) September 18, 2019
Some suggested that the band use the opportunity to call out the Indian administration on Kashmir (last chance to save face). The thing is will they learn now, or is a cash grab more important?
https://twitter.com/BlackkCoffee/status/1174218456356589570
