Following the shocking Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent deportation of over 50 Pakistani nationals who had been living illegally in Kashmir for years, social media users have turned their attention toward Tamil actors who previously criticized the abrogation of Article 370 and advocated for a plebiscite in the region.
Actors Vijay Sethupathi and Kamal Haasan, known for their vocal extremist sympathizing opinions, are facing criticism online for their past remarks that were opposing the Indian government’s decision regarding Jammu and Kashmir.
Vijay Sethupathi
In 2019, Vijay Sethupathi publicly criticized the central government’s move to revoke Article 370, arguing that the decision was made without considering the voices of Kashmiri residents. Speaking in an interview with SBS Tamil Australia, he said, “It goes against democratic principles. As Periyar once said, people should have the right to resolve their own issues. Can I interfere in your household matters? You are the one who live I that house and knows what its monthly budget is, children need, and the days affair. Only you can know. I think I may be affectionate towards you, but I cannot administrate you. This the two distinctions, likewise it suits all places. People on the outside can care, but they can’t come in and give suggestions, for example Eelam. We can only speak from what we have heard, only those who live there know the truth.”
இந்த மாதிரி மக்களை குழப்பம் கம்யூனிச எண்ணம் கொண்ட அயோக்கிய பயலுகளை என்றைக்குமே மன்னிக்க கூடாது pic.twitter.com/Gtf8rTHpaz
— A T P (@itisatp) April 29, 2025
Kamal Haasan
Similarly, part-time-politician Kamal Haasan, now seen as aligning with the DMK reportedly in pursuit of a single Rajya Sabha seat, also voiced strong opposition to the central government’s actions. In 2019, he called the move to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and bifurcate the state into two Union Territories a “direct blow to democracy,” and called the move as an autocratic decision-making process.
“This move is highly regressive. Article 370 and 35A have historical significance, and any changes should have been made through a consultative and inclusive process,” he said.
Not only this, back in February 2019, during a public event in Chennai, Kamal Haasan raised several provocative questions, stating, “Why do the soldiers die? Why should our home’s watchman die? If politicians on both sides (in India & in Pakistan) behave properly, no soldier needs to die. The Line of Control will be under control. Why is India not holding a plebiscite in Kashmir? What are they (Indian government) afraid of?”
Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Kamal Hassan at an event in Chennai yesterday: Why India is not holding a plebiscite in Kashmir? What are they (Indian government) afraid of? pic.twitter.com/9M6bS5JoWV
— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019
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