Asking ally BJP to take a cue from Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister for saying no to T20 cricket World Cup India-Pakistan match in his state, Shiv Sena on Thursday said that Maharashtra government should stop laying out the red carpet for Pakistani artists on the Indian soil.
Sena, in a warning tone, also said it would be good if those in power in the state do not talk about holding the T20 India-Pakistan match in Maharashtra.
“We welcome Virbhadra Singh for being against holding the T20 World Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan in his state. Wounds of Pathankot and the blood of our soldiers is still fresh. What can the people of country expect from politicians and bookies who cannot stop cricket matches and artists from performing in the country,” Sena said in an editorial in its mouthpiece ‘Saamana’.
The Himachal Pradesh Chief minister had recently voiced his concern over the proposed Indo-Pak match in Dharamsala, saying that the state government cannot ensure security of players and that welcoming Pakistani players at a place where families of the martyrs live would be an insult to the soldiers.
“If those in power (in state) also take cue from this, it will be a tribute to the martyred soldiers of Maharashtra. Inviting Pakistani politicians and artists should be stopped at least now. It would be good if people do not come forward in support of holding India-Pakistan T20 WC match here (in Maharashtra),” it said.
The Sena said before laying a red carpet welcome for Pakistanis, everybody should also answer what does a Pakistani mean to them.
