Shiv Sena endorsed Shahid Afridi’s statement on Kashmir

The Shiv Sena on today reacted on former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi’s remarks that his country “does not want Kashmir” and said all sane Pakistanis would endorse the view.

According to the Sena, in an editorial in its mouthpiece ‘Saamana’, said Pakistan’s government and the military chief gave more impetus on trying to harm India than governing the country as a result of which it has to seek external financial aid even 70 years after Independence.

Former all-round cricketer of Pakistan Shahid Afridi on Wednesday proposed that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir should be given “independence”, saying the country does not want the region as it cannot even manage its four provinces.

Afridi was addressing students in London when he is learnt to have the statement. The video, in which he is heard saying that Pakistan is not interested in Kashmir and since the country is against giving it to India, the region should be given independence, has gone viral on the social media.

“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,” he said.

He went on add that “humanity” or “insaniyat” should be prioritised.

Afridi later blamed the Indian media for quoting him.

The Sena’s editorial Friday stated, “Pakistan has become so poor in trying to support terrorism and corruption that it now is left with only the option of selling cattle and vehicles from the Prime Minister’s residence.”

It claimed that Pakistan was on the verge of a financial breakdown and it had been relegated to begging for a bailout from countries like China after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) turned down its aid request.

“If the country needs financial oxygen to keep its economy going, alive, how will it take care of Kashmir? Not just Afridi, every sane Pakistani will hold the same view. However, who asks the common man there?” the editorial questioned.

“The government and the military chief there give more impetus on harming India than doing good for its people. Therefore, they have to beg for aid even 70 years after Independence,” it said.

The Sena further dubbed Afridi as “anti-Indian” and said he has, in the past, made derogatory statements against India.

Citing examples, it said Afridi had shown a soft corner for 13 terrorists eliminated by Indian security forces and has been repeatedly advocating Independence for Kashmir.

A day after Afridi’s remarks, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the former cricketer’s comment that his country could not even manage its four provinces, was right.

Addressing a press conference in Raipur, the minister said, “What is he said is right. They are not able to manage Pakistan. How can they manage Kashmir? Kashmir is and will be a part of India.”