Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan tweeted Friday morning about India’s potential to be the ‘greatest country on earth. So far, so good. However, the trailing ‘but…’ at the end of the tweet prompted speculation over the message he may have been trying to convey.
In the wake of communal clashes and incidents like bulldozer-based violence in Jahagirpuri, Pathan wrote, “My country, my beautiful country, has the potential to be the greatest country on earth. BUT………”. The ellipses have left the internet in splits. JCB images were shared in the comments section, along with people suggesting ends to the incomplete statement made by the sportsman. Many slammed Mr. Pathan’s message, some dared him to complete the statement. Others entreated him not to throw away the goodwill earned in cricket through political statements.
The people that identify themselves first with religion and no attachment to the country
— Vinnu Shanbhag 🇮🇳 (@mankuli) April 22, 2022
Former cricketer Amit Mishra completed Irfan’s line with a stern message: “My country, my beautiful country, has the potential to be the greatest country on earth….only if some people realize that our constitution is the first book to be followed,” his post read. With Mr. Mishra’s tweet, fans started a full-scale debate-which involved indirect references to Jahangirpuri. The violence in Jahangirpuri during Hanuman Jayanti on Saturday was followed by the demolition carried out by the city’s civic body.
My country, my beautiful country, has the potential to be the greatest country on earth…..only if some people realise that our constitution is the first book to be followed.
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) April 22, 2022
There have been allegations that the demolition was similar to the disturbing pattern seen in states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, where bulldozers were used following communal clashes targetting a particular community.
Some people choose to pelt stones instead of getting educated.
— Indian Knight Rider (@ind_nat_cric) April 22, 2022
This has also been alleged in a petition filed in the Supreme Court. The apex court hit pause on the demolitions on Wednesday. The court also said it would take a “serious view” of the razing that took place for nearly two hours that day despite its order that the bulldozers should stop.
But it first must learn basic humanity
— Sam (@SamKhan999) April 22, 2022
The Delhi Police on Thursday said they had identified 27 more suspects involved in last week’s clashes and were looking into the connections of 25 arrested so far. Four teams are investigating the violence that left nearly a dozen, including at least eight policemen, injured and several vehicles torched. Nearly 140 people were also arrested in three other states – Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, in connection with the clashes last Saturday.
References: The Free Press Journal , Hindustan Times, NDTV
