The Indian Army's claim that it has found traces of the mythical Himalayan monster, Yeti, has triggered curiosity and controversy.
The Army's official Twitter handle posted a picture claiming to be Yeti tracks in snow.
"For the first time, an Indian Army mountaineering expedition team has sited (sic) mysterious footprints of mythical beast 'Yeti' measuring 32x15 inches close to Makalu base camp on April 9.
For the first time, an #IndianArmy Moutaineering Expedition Team has sited Mysterious Footprints of mythical beast 'Yeti' measuring 32x15 inches close to Makalu Base Camp on 09 April 2019. This elusive snowman has only been sighted at Makalu-Barun National Park in the past. pic.twitter.com/AMD4MYIgV7
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) April 29, 2019
"This elusive snowman has only been sighted at Makalu-Barun National Park in the past," said the post.
Army sources later claimed that the basis of going public with the finding was physical proofs of spot narration, photos and videos.
Army sources: More pictures from army expedition to Mount Makalu wherein mysterious footprints were seen that Army claims could be of the #Yeti . pic.twitter.com/KuNUUc4rHU
— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2019
They claimed that photographic evidences matched with earlier theories and the purpose to go public was to excite scientific temper and rekindle the interest.
"BJP must be working out how to fit this into the rest of the campaign," tweeted National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, linking the Army's claim with religious beliefs.
BJP must be working out how to fit this in to the rest of the campaign. https://t.co/myxvuPxCzv
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 30, 2019
"Congratulations, we are always proud of you. Salutes to the Indian Army mountaineering expedition team. But please, you are Indian, don't call Yeti as beast. Show respect for them. If you say he is a snowman," Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tarun Vijay said in a tweet.
Congratulations, we are always proud of you. salutes to the #IndianArmy Moutaineering Expedition Team. But please, you are Indian, dont call Yeti as beast. Show respect for them. If you say he is a 'snowman'.
— Chowkidar Tarun Vijay (@Tarunvijay) April 29, 2019
Yeti became the top trend on Twitter with a flood of reactions and mocking.
"Also all the Yeti talk reminds me of Tintin in Tibet and that very hackneyed scene where Captain Haddock is in Delhi," one user posted.
"Hanuman Ji on mountains?? Just a thought," another tweeted.
POLITICIANS JOIN SOCIAL MEDIA OVER YETI DISCOVERY CLAIMS
With Indian Army claiming its jawans saw "mysterious footprints" of mythical 'Yeti' close to Makalu Base Camp earlier this month, social media on Tuesday was set ablaze with posts and memes, but it took political turn after some politicians jumped into the row.
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav took to Twitter to mock the Narendra Modi government.
"It seems that 'acche din' are more elusive than the #Yeti," he said in a reference to Modi government's promise of "good days".
It seems that "Acche Din" are more elusive than the #Yeti https://t.co/fUS9AuGyks
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) April 30, 2019
Replying to Yadav, Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Jayant Chaudhary said, "Now all what is left is for PM & CM Yogi to tell us about yeti's #caste!"
During a press conference, Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Sambit Patra also cited "mystery around Yeti" to take a potshot at Congress President Rahul Gandhi over controversy over his citizenship following Home Ministry's notice to clarify his nationality.
Will NRC impact Yeti populations? #JustAsking
— Jayant Chaudhary (@jayantrld) April 30, 2019
BJP leader Tarun Vijay expressed his unhappiness over the use of world "beast" for 'Yeti'.
"Congratulations, we are always proud of you. salutes to the #IndianArmy Mountaineering Expedition Team. But please, you are Indian, don't call Yeti a beast," he tweeted.
Congratulations, we are always proud of you. salutes to the #IndianArmy Moutaineering Expedition Team. But please, you are Indian, dont call Yeti as beast. Show respect for them. If you say he is a 'snowman'.
— Chowkidar Tarun Vijay (@Tarunvijay) April 29, 2019
However, Twitterati were less impressed with it and chose to have a good laugh instead.