War is on terror, not against any country or religion: John Abraham at RAW trailer launch

Actor John Abraham has said that citizens should take a stand only if they have the requisite political awareness of issues.

He was talking at the trailer launch of his forthcoming film Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW) on Monday.

Actress Kangana Ranaut had recently made strong statements slamming Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack for which the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility. She had called for the annihilation of Pakistan.

“I think Kangana is politically aware,” John said at the trailer launch. The actor did not comment on Ranaut’s views specifically but cautioned citizens to make statements on political issues only if they have the requisite political knowledge.

“I think you must take a stand if you are politically aware... You cannot be an idiot who doesn’t know anything about which country lies where, what is happening in Bihar or Syria. If you are aware of what is happening then only make a statement,” said John.

The actor pointed out that the creative team and the cast of Romeo Akbar Walter are politically aware.

“We have shot quite a bit in Kashmir," he said. "We know what the grassroots problems are. We understand what really is happening. But it’s important to make a statement at the right time. Also don't make a statement for effect, to trend. I am not in the business of trending [on social media]."

After the 14 February Pulwama terror attack, tensions have been running high between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan.

John emphasized that there is a war to be fought against terror, not against any country. "I think there has to be a war on terror, not against any country or religion or war between religions," he said. "I am very clear in my outlook. I am not one of the actors who will sit on the fence and say what the audience will expect. So, there has to be a war on terror. It [terrorism] has to be nipped in the bud. But that doesn’t mean you have to fight another country, that you have to stereotype other people."

Romeo Akbar Walter will be released on 5 April.