Peoples Democratic Party has urged star cricketers to refrain from making ‘unreasonable statements’ and rather help in transforming lives of youngsters in the valley. The PDP’s reaction came hours after Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir and former cricketer Virender Sehwag slammed the video purportedly showing a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan being attacked by a Kashmiri youth.
Underlining the need to address Kashmiri youth’s alienation, PDP leader Waheed Rehman Para said, “Cricket has huge popularity in Kashmir. These cricketers may not know that how much youngsters in Kashmir really follow the Indian cricket. We will really appreciate if these people can come and work for the betterment of players and do something to promote cricket.”
“They should spend time with youth and transform them. I think it will be much better message than saying to kill them or alienate them. I think it would not serve the cause of the country,” he told ANI.
He also said that if cricketers like Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar would make reasonable statements then it will have an emotional impact on the youth.
Stressing that emotional pitch from star cricketers may help in integration, he said,”They should make emotional appeals and should also come here and work with us to promote sportsmanship, team spirit. It is also their responsibility to transform the children,’ he added.
Kashmiri activist Sushil Pandit lauded the cricketers for coming out in support of the CRPF jawan and said everyone should stand up and be counted in support of Indian soldiers.
‘I salute Gautam Gambhir for his comments and tweets. I think he has shown the way for all iconic Indians successful leaders in their respective fields. However, they are serving India they must be visible, audible and must stand up and be counted in support of our soldiers who are fighting a grim battle for India in Kashmir. This is the time when all Indians must stand up and be counted,’ he added.
Earlier, Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag had come out in support of the CRPF jawans who were attacked by stone pelters in Srinagar during elections in the Kashmir valley. Sehwag took to social media and tweeted, “This is Unacceptable! Cant do this to our CRPF jawaans.This rot has to stop. Badtameezi ki hadd hai.”
While Gambhir went a step ahead and demanded 100 jihadi heads for each slap on an Indian soldier.
ANI inputs
