&w=3840&q=100)
Kerala community in Dubai faces backlash for hosting Shahid Afridi at event
A segment of the Keralite diaspora in Dubai has come under sharp criticism on social media after warmly receiving former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi at a recent event. The backlash stems from Afridi's remarks following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which intensified tensions between India and Pakistan.
In a video that quickly gained traction online, Afridi is seen being enthusiastically welcomed on stage by the Keralite community during the event. The crowd greeted him with loud cheers and chanted 'Boom Boom', a nod to Afridi's well-known nickname.
Kerala community in Dubai under fire for warmly welcoming Shahid Afridi, despite his past anti-India remarks (even after the recent Pahalgam attack). Seriously? Patriotism shouldn't have borders when it comes to national sentiment. #Kerala #Dubai #ShahidAfridi #IndiaFirst … pic.twitter.com/geOQdsmeQ6
— Vivid Insaan ???? (@VividInsaan) May 31, 2025
Pausing their cultural performance to acknowledge his arrival, community members created a lively atmosphere. Afridi responded to the chants, saying, 'Hogaya Boom Boom".
During his address, Afridi expressed his fondness for 'the Kerala part in India and its food", further endearing himself to the audience. The event, titled 'Ormachuvadukul 2025,' was organised by the Cochin University B.Tech Alumni Association (CUBAA) and held at the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) Auditorium in Oud Metha on May 25.
Afridi's remarks on Pahalgam terror attack
The uproar stems largely from Afridi's statements made in April on Pakistan's Samaa TV regarding the Pahalgam terror attack which claimed 26 lives. Afridi suggested that any incident in India is blamed on Pakistan, saying, 'even if a firecracker were to burst in India, fingers will always be pointed at Pakistan". He also criticised the Indian armed forces' security efforts in Kashmir.
Social media reacts with strong disapproval
The video of Afridi's reception was shared on X with the caption: 'What a shame!! - Desperate Keralites welcome this anti-India Paki with 'Boom Boom' at an event in Dubai, especially after Pahalgam terror attack and his venomous stand against India.' It quickly went viral, sparking widespread condemnation.
One user expressed disappointment, commenting, 'Patriotism gone for a six… what a shame. Expected better from them (Kerala community).'
Another wrote, 'How much disloyal can you be to your nation… learn from the most literate people… Disgraceful!'
A third questioned the loyalty of the community, saying, 'Don't they have anyone from India origin!! Shame to see this happen.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
9 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Monks meet Amit Shah, raise issue of ‘violence against Hindus' in Bengal, cross-border infiltration
During home minister Amit Shah's visit to West Bengal, monks from several organisations met him raised their concerns regarding alleged 'violence against Hindus' in the state after an uptick in cross-border infiltration. As per reports, the monks cited the violence in Bengal's Murshidabad and Malda districts. During a meeting at Swami Vivekananda's ancestral home, the monks added that they raised their concerns while underlining the spiritual and cultural legacy of India. "We have raised the atrocities on Hindus in Bengal's Malda and Murshidabad districts and infiltration from Bangladesh but Shah did not respond to specific queries or any incident cited by monks," a monk, who was part of the meeting, told news agency PTI. "A central theme of the discussion was what is needed for collective effort. Participants reached a consensus emphasising the importance of working together as a single unit. Working together was the shared sentiment. This unified approach is aimed at benefiting the general public, specifically by exploring how spirituality can be applied in daily life for the welfare of people," International Vedanta Society joint general secretary Tejamayi Maa told PTI. During his visit to the eastern state, the Union Home Minister accused the TMC government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of "opposing" Operation Sindoor. "Under Operation Sindoor, we conducted a deep strike 100 kilometers into Pakistan, targeting their headquarters. Numerous terrorists were killed, but this seems to trouble Mamata Ji" Shah said while addressing party leaders and workers. The BJP leader also accused the Bengal CM for "favouring" Pakistani terrorists. (With PTI inputs)
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Russia Offers Stealth Beast Su-57E To India With ‘Make-in-India' Twist
New Delhi: After the high-stakes 'Operation Sindoor', tensions between India and Pakistan have once again surged. In this new phase of defense recalibration, the spotlight is now on fifth-generation fighter jets. Russia has once again offered India its most advanced export fighter jet, the Su-57E. But this time, it is not just a sales pitch. The offer comes with a promise – deeper localisation, seamless integration with Indian systems and full support for Make-in-India defense ambitions. This new proposal includes some of the key technologies originally planned for India's Super-30 program, which is meant to upgrade the IAF's Su-30MKI fleet. The Su-57E would be equipped with GaN-based AESA radar and indigenous Indian mission computers. These additions not only supercharge Su-57E's combat capability but also ensure technical similarity with the Super-30 jets, streamlining maintenance and logistics for the Indian Air Force. Desi Missiles for a Russian Machine The real game-changer? The Su-57E would carry Indian-made beyond-visual-range air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. This reduces dependency on foreign suppliers and aligns perfectly with India's growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Russia is also ready to allow India to make custom modifications to the aircraft. Sources suggest that even source codes and technology transfer are on the table. That means Indian firms, including HAL and private players, could co-produce this stealth jet. What Makes the Su-57E So Deadly? The Su-57E is Russia's only fifth-generation stealth fighter, designed to evade even the most advanced radar systems. It boasts of stealth shaping for low observability, supercruise capability and R-37M missiles with a staggering 400 km range. Moscow claims that the Su-57E outperforms even the French Rafale in certain combat scenarios, particularly in range and missile payload.
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
'Allies Like China No Longer Expect Us To Come With Begging Bowl': Pak PM
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed a gathering of military officers in Balochistan's Quetta, stressing the "improved ties" between Islamabad and its allies like China, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey and said they (allies) don't expect Pakistan to go with a "begging bowl" to them. Shehbaz Sharif mentioned the newly-appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir in his address and said he would be the last person, along with Field Marshal Munir, to "carry this burden on our shoulders". The International Monetary Fund (IMF) proposed a fresh $2.3 billion loan, a proposal vehemently opposed by India during the talks, saying the funds could be misused for financing state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. Pakistan has been dealing with an economic crisis for many years, with the IMF giving 25 bailout packages to Pakistan since 1958. However, the Pakistan Prime Minister was optimistic about the country's ties with its allies and said, "China is the most time-tested friend of Pakistan. Saudi Arabia is one of the most reliable and trustworthy friends of Pakistan, and so are others - Turkey, Qatar and the UAE," he said. 🚨🇵🇰BEGGING BOWL ERA OVER FOR PAKISTAN? 🗣 Pakistan's allies no longer expect it to 'come with a begging bowl,' says PM Shehbaz Sharif — but as equals looking to foster mutual innovation and development. — Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) June 1, 2025 "But let me make this point abundantly clear. They expect us now to engage them in trade, commerce, innovation, research and development, education and health, investments, and profitable ventures mutually. They no longer expect us to go there with a begging bowl," he added. "The Almighty has blessed us with natural and human resources. We must make full use of them and deploy them for these very profitable ventures," he further said. Pakistan's allies, Turkey and Azerbaijan, supported it militarily during Operation Sindoor, which came to a stop after a ceasefire was declared on May 10. Earlier this week, the Pakistan Prime Minister admitted that Indian strikes on Pakistani airfields caught their defences off guard. "On the night of May 9-10, we decided to respond in a measured fashion to Indian aggression. Our armed forces were prepared to act at 4.30 in the morning after Fajr prayers to teach a lesson. But before that hour even arrived, India once again launched a missile attack using BrahMos, and hit various provinces of Pakistan, including the airport in Rawalpindi," Mr Sharif said during a speech in Azerbaijan. This was not the first time that Mr Sharif has admitted that Operation Sindoor caused severe damage in Pakistan. Last month, he confirmed that Indian missiles struck the Nur Khan Airbase and other targets inside Pakistan during the early hours of May 10. Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, Mr Sharif recounted a 2:30 AM call from the Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, informing him of the missile attacks launched by India.
