Shoaib Akhtar urges Pakistani fans to back India against England
New Delhi, June 30: Ahead of the India-England clash in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup, former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar has urged his countrymen to back the Men in Blue against the hosts on Sunday.
"So I want the whole of Pakistan to back India, on social media and when it comes to public news. Because we need England to be out of this tournament," Akhtar said in a video on his Youtube channel said.
After its three-wicket win over Afghanistan, Pakistan has moved to the fourth place in the points-table, pushing hosts England to the fifth spot in the World Cup. The Green Brigade will now face Bangladesh in their final and most crucial group match if they want to enter into the semis. However, only a win for the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side won't be enough as Pakistan should also hope that both England and Bangladesh lose their remaining matches to cement their semi-finals berth.
In the video Akhtar said: "Very odd, that as a Pakistani I'm saying this and requesting all Pakistanis living in the country and abroad - please support whoever you think is right. But another option - you drink their waters, so you better support them. You live in England, so support England. You eat in England, so support England. However, as Pakistanis in Pakistan, we want Pakistan to qualify. If England get knocked out and Pakistan win against Bangladesh, the way will open up for us."
Akhtar also said that he would love to see an India vs Pakistan semi-final at the World Cup, and even anticipated Sarfaraz Ahmed and company reaching the summit clash of the quadrennial tournament.
"And if India top the points table, and Pakistan finish fourth, the semi-final would be between the two teams. I want to see this match. The entire world wants to see this match. I know that Pakistan will ruin India''s happiness in the semi-finals because somehow we''re going to manage to reach the finals," Akhtar concluded.
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MP: 10 Naxals with total bounty of Rs 2.36 cr surrender in front of CM with AK-47s, INSAS rifles
Balaghat (PTI): Ten hardcore Naxalites, including four women, carrying a collective bounty of Rs 2.36 crore on their heads, surrendered in Balaghat on Sunday, prompting Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to declare Dindori and Mandla completely free from the Naxal influence.
The surrendered Naxalits laid down modern weapons, including AK-47 and INSAS rifles, in front of Yadav. They were part of the 'Bhorsadev area committee' of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist), officials said.
"Dindori and Mandla are now completely free from Naxal influence. A complete Naxal eradication campaign will begin in Balaghat from January. Those who return to the mainstream will get a rehabilitation package for 15 years, while strict action will continue against those who do not," Yadav said.
At the 'Punarvas Se Purnajeevan' (rehabilitation) event held at the Balaghat police lines, Yadav urged Naxalites to join the mainstream under the government's surrender policy and said the administration would ensure their rehabilitation.
"The government's rehabilitation policy is not just an announcement but a guarantee. Anyone who gives up violence and surrenders will get full opportunities for a dignified life, security and rehabilitation.
"The government's aim is to provide a safe future to every person who wants to walk the path of development and peace," he said.
Yadav said the government was committed to freeing Madhya Pradesh of Naxalism as per the target set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
"The time has come to give the last salute to 'Lal Salaam'. The campaign was to be completed by March 2026, but due to the indomitable courage of our security agencies and police, a roadmap has now been prepared to finish it by January 2026." No one would be permitted to pick up arms, he added.
The ten were members of the 'Bhoramdeo area committee' of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist), officials said.
"They belonged to the new division KB of the Maharashtra'?MP'?Chhattisgarh (MMC) zone comprising Kanha Tiger Reserve in Mandla and the Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary of Kawardha district in Chhattisgarh. It was led by ultra Sunder alias Kabir.
"MP shares borders with Gondia district of Maharashtra as well as Rajnandgaon, Khairagarh and Kawardha of Chhattisgarh," an official said.
"They had formed the GRB division comprising Gondia, Rajnandgaon and Balaghat. Chief Minister Yadav gave the surrendered Naxalites copies of the Constitution," the official added.
The surrendered cadres were identified as Sunder alias Kabir alias Soma (AK-47, bounty Rs 62 lakh), Rakesh Odo alias Bima, Samar alias Samru alias Raju (.303 rifle, bounty Rs 14 lakh), Salita alias Savita (SLR, bounty Rs 14 lakh), Vikram alias Hidma (bounty Rs 14 lakh) and Lalsing Madavi alias Seengoo (INSAS, bounty Rs 14 lakh).
The others were Shilpa (INSAS, bounty Rs 14 lakh), Zarina alias Jogi (bounty Rs 14 lakh), Jaysheela (single-shot gun, bounty Rs 14 lakh) and Naveen alias Hidma (single-shot gun, bounty Rs 14 lakh).
On the occasion, Director General of Police Kailash Makwana said new camps have been established by security personnel, while the anti-Naxal Hawk Force and police are being strengthened.
He said officers and personnel are being continuously encouraged. These actions have produced positive results.
"Surrenders are rising in Madhya Pradesh as well as other states. Efforts in employment and skill development had helped connect youth and citizens from Naxal-affected areas to the mainstream," the DGP added.
