Mumbai: Veteran actor Om Puri has been slammed by a section of the film fraternity for comments they say are insulting to Indian soldiers.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit and veteran actor Anupam Kher came out against Om Puri after he told a TV channel that nobody forced soldiers to join the army and people should ask whether India and Pakistan should become Israel and Palestine. WATCH: Nana Patekar’s STRONG reaction on PAK actors BAN- ‘Artistes are nothing but mere termites when compared to the nation as a whole’ During a debate on a TV channel, Om Puri said on Monday: "Did we force them to join the army? My father was also in the army... We are proud of them (soldiers)... I am asking you: Do you want India and Pakistan to become Israel and Palestine? "I don't give a damn to Salman Khan or some other Khan... Go to Modiji (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) and cancel their (Pakistani actors') visas. Prepare 15-20 people as suicide bombers and send them to Pakistan." Reacting to his comment, Pandit tweeted: "Om Puriji, Pak artistes banned isn't a solution, but show of solidarity to our martyrs. We can't be lighting pyres while continuing to perform with them." Anupam also wrote that he respects Om a lot, but said watching him on the TV show and hearing his views related to Indian soldiers was "very sad". CONFIRMED! Pak actor Fawad Khan won’t be the FIRST GUEST on ‘Koffee With Karan’, reveals KJO Actress Meerra Chopra wrote: "All respect lost for Om Puri! What a shame." Folk singer Malini Awasthi tweeted: "What a shame Om Puri! Heard him on TV and I couldn't believe my ears. What a disgrace! Just lost all respect as an actor." Om Puri visited Pakistan in August to promote the Pakistani film "Actor in Law", in which he plays a key role. IANS