Kashmir conflict has spurred the war of words between Indo-Pak cricketers. The recent episode of Indian Army’s aggression in Shopian, that resulted in the killing of 20 people including alleged militants, four civilians, and army soldiers has given rise to a wave of unrest in the valley.
Indo-Pak Cricketers On Kashmir Conflict
As people on both sides of the border took social media to comment on the situation according to their stance on the matter, Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi also spoke his mind on what he thought was wrong with the issue.
Talking about Indian Army’s aggression in Kashmir Shahid Afridi said,
Appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.Innocents being shot down by oppressive regime to clamp voice of self determination & independence. Wonder where is the @UN & other int bodies & why aren’t they making efforts to stop this bloodshed?
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) 3 April 2018
Afridi’s tweet set Indian media on fire is it made breaking news out of it.
Ridiculous reporting. @SAfridiOfficial sue thempic.twitter.com/4ylNaRNpsA
— Ammar Ashraf (@AmmarAshraf) 4 April 2018
And, then began the war between Indo-Pak cricketers, when Gautam Gambhir responded to Shahid Afridi by rejecting his opinion on the matter.
Media called me for reaction on @SAfridiOfficial tweet on OUR Kashmir & @UN. What’s there to say? Afridi is only looking for @UN which in his retarded dictionary means “UNDER NINTEEN” his age bracket. Media can relax, @SAfridiOfficial is celebrating a dismissal off a no- ball!!!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) 3 April 2018
What Followed Later
Before Shahid Afridi spoke on the Kashmir conflict and Gautam Gambhir rebutted his opinion people were only talking about what had happened in Kashmir. After the war of words between Indo-Pak cricketers center of discussion shifted from Kashmir issue to the cricketers. Now, there was either Gautam or Shahid in the talks and not Kashmir.
Apparently a tweet by @SAfridiOfficial has sent the rabid Indian media into a tizzy. While United Nations’ remarks are completely blacked out. pic.twitter.com/tozLF5m7TI
— Muhammad Faysal (@_Faysal) 3 April 2018
Wow…they’ve gone completely nuts on the shahid afridi tweet
— Zarrar Khuhro (@ZarrarKhuhro) 4 April 2018
In World Cup ’11 and World T20 ’16, Kashmiris travelled all the way to India, to support and cheer Pakistan’s cricket team. Acknowledged by @SAfridiOfficial himself, despite Indian media’s outrage pic.twitter.com/iKAEsmL2lB
— Muhammad Faysal (@_Faysal) 4 April 2018
And, citizens from both sides of the border were doing nothing but propagating a view that their governments are supporting. In fact, there was a denial of responsibilities from each side. Briefly, the spat was all about freedom fighters on one side were the militants and terrorists for another side.
Dear @SAfridiOfficial Bhaijaan,As a role model/Sports icon r U teaching youth of Pak that TERRORISTS r innocent ?
No wonder Hafiz Saeeds & Ladens r worshiped in Pak?
What abt Baluch Genocide ?
भाई हमारे घर में आग लगाई है आपने,पर याद रखो-हमारे घर के बाज़ू में तुम्हारा भी घर है? https://t.co/3ZUc6LsXJJ— Maj Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) 3 April 2018
What Is Kashmir Issue All About
Kashmir conflict has become a metaphor for an “impossible to solve dispute”. The region has already become a cause of three major wars between India and Pakistan. Both countries claim that state belongs to them. Kashmiris want right to self-determination in the light of United Nations’ resolutions on the issue.
Pakistan also celebrates a special Kashmir solidarity day on February 5 to show its support for the independence of Indian held Kashmir. Meanwhile both Indian and Pakistanis accuse each other of supporting the insurgency in their regions.
