A web series on the love affair between a Hindu boy and a Muslim girl divided by the India-Pakistan border but united by the grief of losing their fathers in the conflict over Kashmir has generated a fierce public debate on Twitter in Pakistan.

While many twitted that the web series Dhoop Ki Deewar – slated to be released on Indian channel Zee5 - was "disrespectful" to Kashmiris and that peace with India is not an option, there was also another liberal and educated section of Pakistani Twitterati who backed the series, particularly its message of peace and love.  

The trailer of Dhoop Ki Deewar, with Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Aly in the lead roles, was released on June 15.

The web series, directed by Haseeb Hasan and written by Umera Ahmed, portrays the story of a Muslim girl (played by Sajal) being romanced by a Hindu boy (portrayed by Ahad).
 
Amid a storm of protest, the hashtag #BanDhoopKiDeewar quickly became a top trend in Pakistan, Tribune reported.
 
A user tweeted: “We never had and never will be together, India and Pakistan are two different nationalities. #Kashmir #Kashmirilivesmatter #BanDhoopKiDeewar.”

Another user wrote that there is no room for peace between the two nations.
 “Aman ka tamasha failed the first time and it will fail the second time too. But it will run long enough for many to make a quick buck off of it”.

Some tweeted the merits of war over peace in times such as these, writing, “It wasn’t romanticism and emotions which brought peace. History itself reveals that emotions and love are the different invisible sides of the war. It is war that brings peace, as revealed by history. #Ban DhoopKiDeewar”

But the series has its supporters too.

Some users tweeted about how the message of peace and love is more important than hateful rhetoric.

“In recent decades, people of both sides are fueled with hate by politicians, conflicts and wars. These types of dramas will help to de-escalate hatred among Pakistanis and Indians. There is nothing wrong with the trailer that contradicts the two-nation theory. 

Another tweeted, “I really liked the unbiased storyline of DKD. They haven’t shown any country in bad light. India and Pakistan are both suffering at the hands of politics, media lies/biased reports and third-party interventions. I hope people learn something from this series! #DhoopKiDeewar”

The writer Ahmed took to social media to clarify her stance on the matter, posting a lengthy note on Instagram. She clarified that as a writer, she had no say in which platform the series landed on and the fact that it will release through Zee5 was not her decision.

Regarding the love story, the writer called it more of a “social tragedy,” highlighting the effects of war on individual lives. She explained that the story after it was first written, had been sent to the Pakistan military’s media wing ISPR for approval so that question of her being a 'traitor' did not arise.
 
She also asked why advocating peace was being deemed sinful, as peace and brotherhood are virtues encouraged in Islam.

(SAM)