Indo-Pak fans sound peace on Facebook

AFP, NEW DELHI: Rival cricket fans from India and Pakistan have switched sides on social media ahead of a hotly awaited World Twenty20 clash, in protest over long-running tensions between the nuclear-armed countries.
Fans from the cricket-mad nations have swapped support for their teams on Facebook, with Indian and Pakistani users posting profile pictures with their rival’s colours.
The hashtag “ProfileforPeace” was trending on Facebook ahead of Saturday’s match, whose build-up has been mired in controversy over security arrangements for the Pakistani team.
Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg said he had been bowled over by the move. “Something pretty interesting is happening in India and Pakistan on Facebook right now,” Zuckerberg said in a post.
“Hundreds of thousands of Indian cricket fans are putting the Pakistani frame around their picture. And Pakistani fans are doing the same thing — showing support for India.”
Mumbai-based artist Ram Subramanian, who changed his colours to those of Pakistan, said he hoped the trend would make both governments realise that many Indians and Pakistanis do not hate or mistrust each other. “India and Pakistan need to have a conversation. How long are they going to keep this (tension) going?” the 37-year said.

Indo-Pak fans sound peace on Facebook

AFP, NEW DELHI: Rival cricket fans from India and Pakistan have switched sides on social media ahead of a hotly awaited World Twenty20 clash, in protest over long-running tensions between the nuclear-armed countries. Fans from the cricket-mad nations have swapped support for their teams on Facebook, with Indian and Pakistani users posting profile pictures with their rivals colours. The hashtag ProfileforPeace was trending on Facebook ahead of Saturdays match, whose build-up has been mired in controversy over security arrangements for the Pakistani team. Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg said he had been bowled over by the move. Something pretty interesting is happening in India and Pakistan on Facebook right now, Zuckerberg said in a post. Hundreds of thousands of Indian cricket fans are putting the Pakistani frame around their picture. And Pakistani fans are doing the same thing showing support for India. Mumbai-based artist Ram Subramanian, who changed his colours to those of Pakistan, said he hoped the trend would make both governments realise that many Indians and Pakistanis do not hate or mistrust each other. India and Pakistan need to have a conversation. How long are they going to keep this (tension) going? the 37-year said.