‘Say no to cricket with Pakistan’: Former Indian star reacts to Pahalgam attack with propaganda
As a wave of grief and anger grips India over the deadly Pahalgam attack in Occupied Kashmir, the sporting community has also strongly reacted to the incident with a former Indian cricketer going on to level baseless allegations against Pakistan.
At least 26 people, including an Indian Navy officer, were killed Tuesday when terrorists opened fire at popular tourist spot in southern Kashmir – some 90 kilometres from Srinagar.
While condemnations and messages of support pour in from around the world, Indian media has alleged Pakistani involvement – a claim that has been rejected by Islamabad as baseless while expressing grief over the loss of lives.
Despite a little-known group, the Kashmir Resistance, claiming responsibility for the attack in a social media message, baseless Indian reports has led to a propaganda campaign against Pakistan.
"SAY NO TO CRICKET! This is exactly why I say – you don't play cricket with Pakistan. Not now. Not ever," former Indian cricketer Shreevats Goswami said in a post rooted in the baseless allegations.
“Now... this bloodshed again. It breaks something inside you. It makes you question how many more times we're expected to stay silent, stay 'sporting,' while our people die. No more. Not this time," he added.
Other cricketing stars, however, did not jump the propaganda bandwagon.
Former India captain and spinner Anil Kumble also offered condolences, saying, "Innocent lives lost to senseless violence. Praying for strength and peace for the affected families. Let's stand together against hate."
Indian opener Shubman Gill wrote, "Violence like this has no place in our country," while KL Rahul said, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the Pahalgam attack. My thoughts are with the families of the victims."
Former India coach Ravi Shastri called it a moment for national unity, writing, "A ghastly, cowardly act that should unite the nation fully, bar none."
Former spinner Harbhajan Singh also shared his thoughts, stating, "My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives. This can't be forgiven."
Cricketer-turned-politician Yusuf Pathan wrote, "Such acts of violence have no place in our society. May peace prevail," while his brother Irfan Pathan added, "Every time an innocent life is lost, humanity loses."
Parthiv Patel expressed disbelief at the tragic incident, saying, "Shocked and angry to hear what happened in Kashmir. There's a numb disbelief at the terrible acts and how it all happened."