South African comedian Trevor Noah has apologised for making a joke about India and Pakistan’s dispute over the Kashmir region.
In an episode of The Daily Show, the US television programme that Mr Noah hosts, the comedian said that a war between the two countries would be "most entertaining" and "it would also be the longest war of all time – another dance number!"
The comedian’s comments caused outrage, especially in India, where thousands took to Twitter to complain.
Commenting on the joke, Indian journalist Zainab Sikander said in a tweet: “It's sad when someone who's had a violent past mocks war through a Bollywood stereotype. Trevor Noah's mother was shot in the head by her husband (Trevor's stepfather). Imagine someone making fun of it with a Xhosa stereotype - the tribe his mum belongs to.”
In response to the tweet, Mr Noah replied: “As a comedian I use comedy to process pain and discomfort in my world but I am sorry that this hurt you and others, that’s not what I was trying to do.”
However, Noah also added in another tweet:
India and Pakistan have fought two wars and the conflict over Kashmir has lasted over 60 years, starting shortly after the partition of India in 1947.
