Srinagar: Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned celebration of Shahid Afridi’s statement in sections of the Indian media, underlining that the former Pakistan cricketer clearly supported freedom for Kashmir and criticized human rights violations.
“I don’t get what sections of the Indian media are celebrating WRT #ShahidAfridi’s statement. Forget what he said about Pakistan’s 4 provinces, the byte I saw clearly had him supporting freedom for Kashmir & criticising human rights violations so how is that a victory for India?” Omar wrote on twitter.
Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Khan Afridi also dismissed Indian media reports, saying his comments on Kashmir were being misconstrued by the sections of media.
Shahid Afridi took to Twitter after a video clip that went viral on social media quoted him asking both India and Pakistan to leave Kashmir “for the sake of humanity” and let Kashmiris decide their own future.
“I say Pakistan doesn’t want Kashmir. Don’t give it to India either. Let Kashmir be independent. At least humanity will be alive. Let people not die. Pakistan doesn’t want Kashmir. It can’t even manage its four provinces. The big thing is insaaniyat (humanity). People who are dying there, it is painful. Any death, be it from any community, is painful,” he can be heard saying in a video while addressing the students at British Parliament.
Minutes after his comments made headlines on Indian media outlets, Pakistani TV channels followed suit, criticizing Afridi for making ‘careless’ comments, forcing cricket star to issue a clarification.
The firebrand cricketer accused Indian media of misinterpreting his comments and presenting them “out of context.
“I’m passionate about my country and greatly value the struggles of Kashmiris. Humanity must prevail and they should get their rights,” he said in a tweet.
