Pahalgam wounds not healed & govt allowed Pak hockey team: Aaditya
The recent decision by the Indian government to grant clearance to the Pakistan hockey team to travel to India for the Men’s Asia Cup has sparked widespread outrage and criticism. One of the most vocal critics of this decision is Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, who took to social media to express his disapproval.
In a tweet, Thackeray said, “The terrorists of Pahalgam attack haven’t been caught yet…the wounds of that attack haven’t healed. But the Centre has given clearance to Pakistan to play in Hockey Asia Cup 2025 in India.” His tweet was accompanied by a photo of the Pahalgam attack, which is still fresh in the minds of many Indians.
For those who may not be aware, the Pahalgam attack refers to the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir in 2018. The attack, which was carried out by Pakistan-based terrorists, resulted in the deaths of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. The attack was widely condemned by the Indian government and the international community, and Pakistan was accused of supporting the terrorists responsible for the attack.
Thackeray’s criticism of the government’s decision to allow the Pakistan hockey team to play in India is not unfounded. Many Indians feel that it is premature to allow Pakistan to participate in any sporting event in India, given the country’s history of terrorism and its continued support for terrorist groups.
Moreover, the timing of the decision is also questionable. The Pahalgam attack took place in 2018, and it is still not clear whether all the terrorists involved in the attack have been caught or brought to justice. The wounds of that attack have not healed, and many Indians feel that the government is being too hasty in allowing Pakistan to participate in a sporting event in India.
It is not just Thackeray who has criticized the government’s decision. Many other politicians and celebrities have also spoken out against the decision. For example, BJP MP and former cricketer Gautam Gambhir tweeted, “Pakistan has never shown any remorse for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the Uri attacks, or the Pahalgam attack. We should not be fooled by their false claims of peace.”
Similarly, actor and BJP supporter Kangana Ranaut tweeted, “Pakistan ki dal mein kuch na kuch hai… (there is something fishy in Pakistan’s game). How can we forget the Pahalgam attack, the Uri attack, and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks?”
The government’s decision to allow the Pakistan hockey team to play in India has also sparked a debate about the country’s priorities. Many Indians feel that the government is prioritizing sports and diplomacy over national security and the welfare of its citizens.
For example, BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi tweeted, “Our priority should be the security of our citizens, not the promotion of sports. We should not compromise on national security for the sake of sports.”
Similarly, former Union Minister and BJP leader Arun Jaitley’s daughter, Sonali Jaitley, tweeted, “The decision to allow Pakistan to play in the Hockey Asia Cup is a reflection of the government’s priorities. Our priority should be the security of our citizens, not the promotion of sports.”
In conclusion, the decision by the Indian government to grant clearance to the Pakistan hockey team to travel to India for the Men’s Asia Cup has sparked widespread outrage and criticism. Many Indians feel that the wounds of the Pahalgam attack have not healed, and that the government is being too hasty in allowing Pakistan to participate in a sporting event in India.
As Thackeray said, “The terrorists of Pahalgam attack haven’t been caught yet…the wounds of that attack haven’t healed. But the Centre has given clearance to Pakistan to play in Hockey Asia Cup 2025 in India.” It remains to be seen whether the government will reconsider its decision and prioritize the security and welfare of its citizens over sports and diplomacy.
News Source: https://x.com/AUThackeray/status/1941052895794974779
