With the Centre grappling to bring peace in restive Kashmir after the killing of Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani, the slain militant’s father Muzaffar Wani met Art of Living Founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at his ashram in Bengaluru.
The spiritual guru on social networking site Twitter, said Muzaffar Wani was in his ashram for two days and that they discussed “several issues”.
“Muzaffar Wani, the father of Burhan Wani was in the ashram for the last 2 days. We discussed several issues,” Ravi Shankar tweeted, without elaborating. The tweet was accompanied by a picture of the two together.
Muzaffar Wani, the father of Burhan Wani was in the ashram for the last 2 days. We discussed several issues. pic.twitter.com/IDyyxJSG83
— Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) August 27, 2016
However, Muzaffar Wani had a different take on what transpired in the meeting as he denied discussing “several issues” with him.
Addressing the media in Srinagar, Wani looked to set the record straight, claiming that he had been to the Ashram for treatment where Sri Sri asked for a photograph.
“I am a principal, a common man and no leader. I am diabetic and had gone there for treatment. He (Sri Sri) took a picture with me. I took pictures with 500 people,” said Wani, as reported by India Today.
Wani also added that the meeting lasted only for a couple of minutes where Sri Sri asked Wani about his children and nothing else.
Wani said he also asked Sri Sri to use his influence in finding a solution to Kashmir problem.
“Sri Sri asked me what the people of Kashmir wanted. I asked him to visit the Valley to find out for himself,” he informed PTI.
Twitter went berserk after Sri Sri broke the news. While some clearly expressed their disapproval of Sri Sri’s move…
@SriSri sir when r u going to invite Dawood, Hafiz Saeed too?
— Bharat Polls (@BharatPolls) August 27, 2016
This reminds me a childhood Snake & Saint story
Saint save a snake but that Snake ultimately bite the saint @SriSri pic.twitter.com/5kcyAzms2q— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) August 28, 2016
@subhashsheela unnecessary appeasement! Shouldn’t talk with terrorists! Nobel itna zaroori nahi hona chahiye @SriSri @ProfYogendra
— DAMANI (@bdhaps) August 27, 2016
@SriSri really disappointed with u. He is not any hero’s father, why giving him so much importance. I mean uploading pic of him with u.
— Bhavna Jaggi (@BhavnaJaggi) August 27, 2016
There were some who also welcomed this step.
@SriSri Govt is doing their best to maintain peace through their power of might. But only u can transform their heart to see what is right.
— Swami Paramtej (@Swamiparamtej) August 27, 2016
@SriSri Gurudev you have always been the one body of trust for all sides. We pray that this is the beginning for peace in Kashmir too.
— Srividya V (@srivinow) August 27, 2016
Peace can prevail only thru dialogue nt with hatred or violence. U need lots of patience &courage 2 tk such initiative.I Appreciate @SriSri
— Darshak Hathi (@DarshakHathi) August 27, 2016
@SriSri you are widely accepted as a neutral leader with unquestionable integrity. Must play a leading role in J&K peace process
— Mamta Kailkhura (@mamkail) August 27, 2016
The most interesting part however was the conspicuous absence of “right-wing” trolls. Several prominent Twitter personalities challenged them to label Sri Sri as “anti-national”.
Ha! Funny day for Right Wing Twitter. Here I was called anti national for saying Burhan son of School headmaster:-) https://t.co/ol624Cp2N8
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) August 27, 2016
Terrorist sympathizer Burqa Dutt ( disguised as Sri Sri ) met slain terrorist Burhan Wani’s father, to console him. pic.twitter.com/8pa9oLIHP0
— IRONY MAN™ (@Pun_Starr) August 28, 2016
Now what if a “sickular” journalist had posted a pic with Wani sr? Desh-drohi! Traitor! https://t.co/XbAR9QE8z3 via @timesofindia
— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) August 28, 2016
Hope @SriSri is not called ‘anti national’ now by the RW gang. Or diff strokes for diff folks? https://t.co/HEZxqa6stK
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) August 27, 2016
Sri Sri can meet Burhan Wani’s father, talk with ISIS terrorists, say Pakistan Zindabad and yet get away with no #Sedition #AntiNational tag
— Riya Mukherjee (@riyalovezu) August 27, 2016
Sri Sri’s meeting with Muzaffar Wani on a day Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti presented a “three-pronged action plan” that includes a dialogue with all stakeholders during talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring lasting peace in the troubled Valley.
(Feature image source: Twitter | @SriSri)
