Although Gurmehar Kaur received much support from fellow students for her social media campaign against the ABVP, the 20-year-old was also trolled by former cricketer Virender Sehwag and Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda, who called her a “political pawn”.
Before this campaign, Ms. Kaur had initiated a campaign asking for peace between India and Pakistan. She had then posted a video on her Facebook page where she was seen holding placards, including one that read: ‘Pakistan did not kill my father but war did’.
‘I am heartbroken’
Mocking Ms. Kaur, Mr. Sehwag on Sunday shared an image of him holding a placard that read: “I did not score two triple centuries. My bat did”.
Ms. Kaur told the media she was heartbroken by the reaction. “I am heartbroken, these are the people you cheer for in matches and they troll you at the expense of your father’s death”.
‘A political pawn’
While many Twitter users criticised Mr. Sehwag for comparing a cricket match to a war, others including Randeep Hooda cheered on Mr. Sehwag.
“What’s sad is that the poor girl is being used as political pawn... It absolutely wrong..have a feeling it's not limited to that in interpretation,” tweeted Mr. Hooda.
‘Call me Gurmehar’
In her reply to Mr. Hooda, Ms. Kaur tweeted: “Really sweet of you to encourage the hate I've been receiving. Makes me feel happy that I adored your work :) Pawn? I can think. I don't support violence perpetuated on students. Is that so wrong. Don't call me a Martyrs (sic) daughter if that bothers you. I never claimed anything otherwise. You can call me Gurmehar [sic].”
