India and Pakistan have been separated from each other for over 70 years now. However, the diplomatic relations between both are far away from being cordial. From engaging in various forms of warfare and dispute over sports, politics and culture, there is almost always a bone of contention. And since the countries’ borders become blurred near Kashmir, it has consistently been a hot-spot for organised terror and political squabbles.
In addition to all this, Pak cricketer Shahid Afridi riled up feathers when he called Srinagar as “Indian Occupied Kashmir”.
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) April 3, 2018
Needless to say, Twitter was quick to respond and reprimand Afridi,
1. No need to indulge in politics.
https://twitter.com/sunit_utd/status/981085915882840066
2. A wrong message to the youth of Pakistan.
https://twitter.com/MajorPoonia/status/981144613636509696
3. Few were of the opinion…
https://twitter.com/imVkohi/status/981085057392640001
4. Practice what you preach.
Your own country is engulfed in human rights, fights terrorism and advocates same for the neighbour. There can’t be two sets of the definition. Preach to your own country, what you preach to the neighbour. https://t.co/O07K1xVQMd
— Waheed Ur Rehman (@parawahid) April 3, 2018
In a matter of hours, Afridi’s tweet on Kashmir had spread like wildfire. That’s when Gautam Gambhir decided to school him on his political and cricket knowledge.
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) April 3, 2018
Every cricket fan from all over the world knows about Gambhir and Afridi’s verbal battles on the field. However, Gauti and Boom Boom Afridi had never mixed their work-place sentiments in their personal lives. But since Afridi was making light of a terrorist attack in Kashmir that was brought in control at a great cost to India, the former KKR skipper had to step in.
Even eminent lyricist, poet and screenwriter, Javed Akhtar provided some words of wisdom regarding Kashmir.
Dear Mr Afridi , since you want to see a peaceful JK sans any human rights violations could you please see to it that pak terrorists stop infiltrations n pak army stops supporting the separatists by closing down the training camps . It will greatly help in solving the problem
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) April 3, 2018
Seeing how the matter was going out of hand, Afridi then decided to take a neutral stance on Kashmir.
We respect all. And this is an example as sportsman. But when it comes to human rights we expect the same for our innocent Kashmiris. pic.twitter.com/DT5aF1wX8P
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 3, 2018
There’s no doubt that the rift between Indians and Pakistanis hasn’t been bridged in all these years. And considering the cease fire violations at the borders, that divide is only widening.
However, engaging in social media battles with half-educated opinions isn’t going to help solve the issue either. I mean lives are at stake here, the least we can do is not do any kind of distasteful lip-service.