The gruesome Pulwama terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday has shaken the entire nation. While the citizens are mourning the loss of brave soldiers, the cascading effects of the heinous day has made the country’s blood boil. Indian celebrities too, are raising their voices against the terror attacks, and while some are tweeting their condolences, others have started taking measures. Lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar and his wife and actress Shabana Azmi have turned down the invitation to appear for a programme on poet Kaifi Azmi in Pakistan. The invitation was extended by Karachi Art Council. Pulwama Attack Fallout: Ajay Bisaria, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Called Back.

Javed Akhtar took to his Twitter handle to share the news. He wrote, “Kranchi art council had invited. Shabana and me for a two day lit conference about Kaifi Azmi and his poetry. We have cancelled that. In 1965 during the indo Pak war Kaifi saheb had written a poem. Aur Phir Krishan Ne Arjun Se Kaha.”

Here’s the Tweet shared by the lyricist:

“@Javedakhtarjadu n I were invited for a 2 day event celebrating #Kaifi Azmi centenary. I appreciate that our hosts #Karachi Arts Council have mutually agreed with us to cancel the event at the nth hr in view of the dastardly Pulwama Massacre,” tweeted his wife Shabana.

Here’s the Tweet shared by Shabana:

As per reports, at least 40 jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed and several others critically injured when an explosive-laden vehicle drove into a bus carrying soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday. This terror attack is considered to be one of the worst terror attacks to have taken place since the Uri military base camp attack in 2016. Pulwama Terror Attack: Mohanlal, Suriya, Nivin Pauly Express Over The Ghastly Attack – Read Tweets.

Javed Akhtar had earlier condemned the cruel havoc and tweeted, "I have a special relation with CRPF. I have written their anthem before putting the pen to paper I met a number of CRPF officers n whatever I learned my respect admiration and love for these braves increased by many a fold Today I share the grief of the dear ones of the martyrs." Shabana Azmi, too, condemned the merciless killings and took to Twitter to express her grief.

Here’s the tweet from Javed Akhtar:

Here’s the tweet from Shabana Azmi:

Bollywood celebrities including Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt, Shankar Mahadevan, Rishi Kapoor, among others took to Twitter to grieve the loss and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of martyred soldiers.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 15, 2019 04:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).