Celebrities come out in support of Kashmiris

KARACHI: Pakistani celebrities have written messages in support of Kashmiris, following India’s move to revoke special status of the occupied valley.

Earlier today, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah introduced a resolution to scrap Article 370 in Rajya Sabha, which would revoke the special status and make the occupied Kashmir a Union Territory with the legislature.

Following the contentious development, celebrities took to social media to express their sentiments in favour of Kashmir and the hashtag #Kashmirbleeds, #Kashmirunderthreat and #istandwithkashmir started trending.

Pakistan’s top actress Mahira Khan 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.”

Pakistan’s veteran actor Shaan Shahid criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and tweeted: “Bathing in Ganges will not wash away , the blood of the martyrs of Kashmir.”

Mehwish Hayat and Hamza Ali Abbasi were also vocal against the Indian move and tweeted in support of Kashmir.

Hamza Abbasi, in a series of tweets, wrote: “I appeal to all Pakistani artists, especially those with the most following on social media, ask yourselves with utmost sincerity that why do you not raise a voice for KASHMIR? Is it because you genuinely think it won’t make a difference?”

Pakistani actor Faysal Quraishi also said: "#IStandWithKashmir hamesha"

Singer and actor Farhan Saeed also posted in favour of Kashmir.

"1/2 Kashmir is the land of Kashmiris , is it too difficult to understand? The world should speak up , it is about time! Kashmiris have suffered a lot already," he tweeted.

Indian actress Dia Mirza and Zaira Wasim also tweeted on the subject.

“My thoughts are with #Kashmir. Praying for peace #KashmirNeedsAttention,” wrote Dia Mirza.

“This too shall pass,” said the ‘Dangal’ actor.

A spate of developments in Indian-occupied Kashmir during the past 10 days have triggered fear and panic among residents and leaders, with New Delhi confirming it had deployed at least 10,000 troops in the region. A further 70,000 have been deployed since, according to AFP.