New Delhi, Mar 1: Senior India discard Gautam Gambhir came out in support of Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur and said mocking the girl for her views is despicable.
My tweet was 'facetious': Sehwag on Gurmehar row
The outspoken senior Delhi batsman, who never shies away from speaking his heart out on socio-political issues, upheld the freedom of expression of the 20-year-old girl, who is a daughter of a martyr.
Releasing a video on his Twitter handle, Gambhir said freedom of expression was absolute and equal for everyone.
"High time we learnt that and practiced it daily in every sphere of life," he said.
In the video, Gambhir said even those opposed to Gurmehar's views shouldn't mock her.
"I have the utmost respect for the Indian Army. Their service to the nation and us all is unmatched. However, recent events have left me disappointed.
"We live in a free country where everyone is entitled to their opinion. If a daughter who lost her father puts up posts about the horrors of war with the intention of achieving peace, she has all the right to.
"It is not an opportunity for everyone to show how patriotic they are and gang up on her to mock her. She is entitled to her opinion just as every other citizen is.
"Everyone may or may not agree with it but mocking her for it is despicable," he said.
The freedom of expression is absolute and equal for all!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 1, 2017
High time we learnt that and practised it daily in every sphere of life. pic.twitter.com/iMfIanQyh1
Earlier in the day, Gambhir's former India teammate Virender Sehwag took to Twitter to clarify that he never bullied Gurmehar with his tweet a couple of days back and that his message on micro-blogging site was made in humourous manner.
"My tweet was an attempt to be facetious rather than one to bully anyone over their opinion. Agreement or disagreement wasn't even a factor," tweeted the former India opener.
Sehwag also condemned the actions of those threatening the girl with violence or rape who has expressed her views.
OneIndia News