The Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan has now extended to a social media tiff between cricketers. The decades-long dispute often evokes strong reactions from Indians and Pakistanis and this time it was no different. Former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi and ex-India opener Gautam Gambhir were seen having a Twitter exchange over their own version of Kashmir violence.
It all started when Afridi tweeted on Tuesday saying: ‘the situation is appalling and worrisome in 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
Following the Pakistani Cricketer’s tweet, Indian cricketer Gambhir responded on Twitter that Afridi had a “retarded dictionary”
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
Kashmir ownership has been a standing issue for more than 60 years and the two nations have fought two wars over it.
Afridi called India an “oppressive regime” and appealed to the UN to intervene in India-Occupied Kashmir which saw its worst day of violence in years at the weekend. According to reports at least 3 Indian soldiers and 13 separatists were killed in gun battles in the south of Srinagar. Four civilians died and more than 200 were injured in protests sparked by the clashes.
Responding to Gambhir’s tweet Afridi posted a photo with his Indian fans stating that everyone is entitled to respect but when it comes to human rights we expect the same for our innocent Kashmiris, he tweeted;
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
Comes surprise support!
As Afridi faced backlash from the Indian media for his Kashmir tweet, Asif Ghafoor, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), used his personal Twitter account to respond to criticism against Afridi with a picture showing on-the-field spat between Afridi and Gambhir over 12 years ago, which obviously Lala dominated.
And that’s the way for you 🇮🇳 …. @SAfridiOfficial pic.twitter.com/tqGVP2bQxk
— Asif Ghafoor (@peaceforchange) April 3, 2018
Gambhir trolled for ‘offensive’ tweet
I am a kashmiri… And i love lala and hate gambhir.. Even same is with every kashmiri.. What wrong did afridi tweet? Since last three days , 20+ kashmiri has been martyred in indian occupieed kashmir.. He said what was correct,.
— Ubaid Bin Riyaz (@Ubaidbinriyaz) April 3, 2018
What else can be expected from Gambhir.We Kashmiris are thankful to @SAfridiOfficial for sharing our pain.
— Zamin Muzaffar (@zamin_muzaffar) April 3, 2018
This is the level of respect Kashmiris have for Pakistani heroes unlike the ones barking in #India! Opps moment for @GautamGambhir pic.twitter.com/DUY75zLhv0
— Arti Sharma (@Aartishrma3) April 3, 2018
Yeah I get your point. You’re gonna lose Kashmir as you lost this match. pic.twitter.com/i4nfZBn0KR
— Hamzaa 🌈 (@greatsince_98) April 3, 2018
wo sab to thyk hai, but Media called you? really?Apko BCCI call kr ni rha, Media ku peche pada hai? Acha rona mat ab
— Student of BugsBunny (@Saadbuksh) April 3, 2018
Not your’s Kashmir. Kashmir belongs to kashmiris we want peace there.and if you are clame that Kashmir belongs to India so go there and stay in public you will get your answer.#KashmirBleeds #kashmirforpeace #kashmiris #کشمیربنےگاپاکستان
— Abdul Ahad (@AAhad1996) April 3, 2018
STOP CALLING KASHMIR YOURS BCS U SURELY DONT CARE ABT US(KASHMIRIS) , YOU’RE JUST CONCERNED ABT THE LAND. EVERYDAY A KASHMIRI DIES, DO U CARE? NO. INFACT YOU CELEBRATE IT. SO PLEASE STOP. AND ONE MORE REQUEST PLS BLOCK ME BECOS UR TWEETS HURT MORE THAN ATTENDING FUNERALS EVERYDAY
— Saqlain (@iamsosaqlain) April 3, 2018
