India, Pakistan ex-cricket stars in Twitter spat over Kashmir
Former stars traded online barbs over India's decision to strip Kashmir of its autonomous status.
NEW DELHI (AFP) - Former stars of fierce cricket rivals India and Pakistan traded online barbs Tuesday over New Delhi s explosive decision to strip restive Kashmir of its autonomous status.
Indian ex-cricketer Gautam Gambhir took a swipe at Pakistan s Shahid Afridi after he urged the United Nations to intervene in the move to bring the state under the national government s direct rule.
India s Prime Minister Narendra Modi s Hindu-nationalist party on Monday rushed through a presidential decree to scrap from the constitution the Indian-ruled part of the disputed territory s special status.
"Kashmiris must be given their due rights as per #UN resolution. The rights of Freedom like all of us," Afridi, who announced his retirement from international cricket last year after playing 398 one-day matches, wrote on Twitter.
"Why was @UN created & why is it sleeping? The unprovoked aggression & crimes being committed in Kashmir against #Humanity must be noted. The @POTUS must play his role to mediate."
Afridi has been vocal about his political views online, often getting in to a social media fights with Gambhir, who is now a member of parliament for Modi s Bharatiya Janata Party.
The 37-year-old Gambhir, who quit all forms of cricket in December, was quick to respond to Afridi s post.
"@SAfridiOfficial is spot on guys. There is "unprovoked aggression", there r "crimes against humanity"," said Gambhir.
"He shud be lauded for bringing this up. Only thing is he forgot to mention that all this is happening in "Pakistan Occupied Kashmir". Don t worry, will sort it out son!!!"
Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947. Pakistan has condemned the unprecedented move.
