Conflict
Shahid Afridi clearly supported freedom for Kashmir, criticized HR violations, says Omar
Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned Shahid Afridi’s statement on Kashmir being ‘celebrated 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 Shahid Afridi’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.
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 Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 14, 2018
Former Pakistan international cricket star Shahid 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 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.
My comments are being misconstrued by Indian media! I’m passionate about my country and greatly value the struggles of Kashmiris. Humanity must prevail and they should get their rights.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 14, 2018
My clip is incomplete & out of context as what I said before that is missing.Kashmir is unresolved dispute & under brutal Indian occupation. It must be resolved as per UN resolution. Myself along with every Pakistani support Kashmiri freedom struggle. Kashmir belongs to Pakistan.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 14, 2018
