Om Puri faces crticism for supporting Pakistan in live debate

Veteran Bollywood actor has ignited a new controversy on a live debate on an Indian news channel.

The Channel, IBN 7, had invited Om Puri along with 5-6 other guests to speak on the killing of 19 Indian soldiers in the Uri attacks that took place on September 18.

The passionate actor was seen staunchly supporting the idea that Pakistani artists are not terrorists saying that the Indo-Pak partition was not just the division of countries, but that it also divided families.

“Several Indians have their relatives staying across the border and vice-versa, how can they fight a war with their cross-border families?” he asked.

When probed on his stance, he said that if people really want a ban on Pakistani celebrities, then they should ask the Indian government to cancel their visas.

“Do you want India-Pakistan enmity to turn like Israel and Palestine, and fight for ages? India is home to crores of Muslims, there is no point in provoking them for war”.

The actor, however, was seen getting criticism from the other guests in the live debate when he said, “Who had asked the soldiers to join the army? Who told them to pick the weapons?” in response to a guest asking him how he can support Pakistan when they are killing Indian soldiers.

However, Om Puri went on to sarcastically call for preparing 15-20 human suicide bombers in India and sending them to Pakistan for blasts.

After this debate, Indians and Indian celebrities were seen criticizing the actor for being so brazen and showing insensitivity towards the Indian soldiers.

A request to lodge a FIR against the actor has surfaced

Written Complaint at Andheri Police Station against #OmPuri for his Statement on our 'Shahid Jawan' at @awasthis's show #HTP. @ibnkhabar pic.twitter.com/bBX9zYIXBO

— Shivangi Thakur (@thakur_shivangi) October 4, 2016

While others are seen bashing him, Reham Khan is seen applauding the actor for his stance

Sane sensible comment by Om Puri in a war mongering environment not allowed. Being bullied on media. https://t.co/wQglCuQc4H

— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) October 4, 2016