Comedian Trevor Noah has said he is sorry for making jokes about the sharp rise in tensions between India and Pakistan over disputed Kashmir.
He said a war between the two would be “the most entertaining”, adding “it would also be the longest war of all time – another dance number!”
The gag, in an episode of The Daily Show, caused most anger in India where thousands poured fury onto Twitter.
India and Pakistan have fought two wars and a limited conflict over Kashmir.
Both countries claim all of Kashmir, but each controls only part of it. The events of the past two weeks has seen an almost unprecedented escalation, which culminated in Pakistan shooting down an Indian fighter jet and capturing an Indian pilot – they later released him.
Shelling over the de facto border dividing Kashmir continued over the weekend, resulting in civilian casualties on both sides.
How did the row unfold?
After Noah’s Daily Show appearance last week, criticism built up online which saw the South African comedian condemned as “racist” and “insensitive”.
My parents are stranded in India; All flights flying over Pakistan are canceled due to the mounting tension. I am worried about their safety & the safety of my relatives there. BUT LOOK! ANOTHER PLAYED OUT BOLLYWOOD JOKE.
Way to disappoint your Indian American fans, @Trevornoah. https://t.co/Mmdk93xNOH
— Anisha Singh (@Anisha_S113) March 1, 2019
