Congress leader and former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu received mixed reactions from the family of martyred rifleman Aurangzeb after Sidhu hugged Pakistani Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa during the oath-taking ceremony of new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Although Md Hanif, the father of martyred rifleman Aurangzeb, called Sidhu’s hug a positive for both the countries, he also expressed distress at the fact that soldiers were still dying at the border.
It was good that Navjot Sidhu saab met the Army Chief. I think he (Sidhu) should also meet us. Our children are being martyred, I want that to stop.Md Hanif, Rifleman Aurangzeb’s father
Hanif also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the leaders of two countries should meet and hold peace talks.
‘Modi Should Meet Khan and Resolve Issues’
On Kashmir, Hanif stressed that the state belonged to India and not to its neighbour, Pakistan. He also called for peace talks between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue.
Since its inception, Kashmir belongs to India. I want the Prime Minister Modi to meet Imran Khan and hold peace talks on Kashmir. They should resolve the matter. I don’t want anyone from my country to die.Md Hanif, Rifleman Aurangzeb’s father
He also requested leaders of both countries to meet the families of the martyred and share their grief.
I am very happy that the leaders of both the countries are meeting each other. I would also like them to come and visit us who have lost their sons. Just like Imran Khan invited us to go there, Narendra Modi should invite him to India. He should come and meet us.Md Hanif, Rifleman Aurangzeb’s father
Riffleman Aurangzeb to Receive Shaurya Chakra
On 14 August it was announced that Rifleman Aurangzeb, who was abducted and killed by militants in Jammu and Kashmir's in will be awarded Shaurya Chakra – the third-highest peacetime gallantry award.
The rifleman belonged to 4 Jammu and Kashmir's Light Infantry and was posted at the 44 Rashtriya Rifles camp at Shadimarg in Shopian. The 24-year-old, who joined the Army in 2012, was abducted and killed while he was enroute home to celebrate Eid with his family.
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