Pakistani singer Atif Aslam on Wednesday took to his social media handle to criticise the decision by the Indian government to revoke the special status to Jammu and Kashmir by scrapping Article 370.
The singer wrote, "Happy to share something very big with all of you. Inshallah, I’ll be leaving soon for the most important journey of my life. Before departing for Hajj, I would like to ask for everyone’s forgiveness, be it fans, family, friends. Apologies for hurting anyone’s sentiments. kindly keep me in your prayers.''
Happy to share something very big with all of you. Inshallah I’ll be leaving soon for the most important (cont) https://t.co/7lBJRH1K7y
— Atif Aslam (@itsaadee) August 6, 2019
Atif further added, "Also I strongly condemn the violence and tyranny being conducted against the Kashmiris. May Allah bless lives of the innocent in #Kashmir and all over the world.”
However, his reaction didn’t go down well with the netizens, especially from Indian users who burst down on the singer for his comments.
To add a political statement when you are going for such a spiritual journey is extremely sad. Assume you will find it difficult to sing for Indian films for a long time now. #kashmir #article370 #india. #atifaslam. pic.twitter.com/J8zgBbkKgR
— Tarun Shukla (@shukla_tarun) August 6, 2019
Great singer..but given this..🤦♂ï¸Â
— Tarun Shukla (@shukla_tarun) August 6, 2019
Earlier, Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, too, denounced India’s big move. In a tweet, posted on Monday, she said, ''Have we conveniently blocked what we don’t want to address? This is beyond lines drawn on sand, it’s about innocent lives being lost! Heaven is burning and we silently weep.''
Have we conveniently blocked what we don’t want to address? This is beyond lines drawn on sand, it’s about innocent lives being lost! Heaven is burning and we silently weep. #Istandwithkashmir #kashmirbleeds
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) August 5, 2019
On 5 August, the Government of India, in a historic move decided to repeal Article 370 of the constitution which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The government also decided to bifurcate the state into two Union Territories.