Srinagar
Several Kashmiri politicians have expressed support for a cricketer from Pulwama district who displayed the Palestine flag on his helmet during a tournament in Jammu, saying there is nothing wrong with speaking about the situation in Palestine.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian police launched a preliminary inquiry after videos and photos emerged showing Furqan Ul Haq wearing a helmet with the Palestinian flag during a private match.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti posted the Palestinian flag on her social media account, expressing her strong backing for the Palestinian cause. “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. A flag in the wind, bold and free, from the river to the sea,” she wrote on X.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti said, “We are summoned on everything. Do we not have the freedom to speak freely? If we speak about Palestine, what is wrong with that? Protests take place in London, Europe, and America against the atrocities in Gaza.” She added that the BJP will not be allowed to impose its Hindutva ideology in the territory.
Another politician, Salman Niazi, criticized the inquiry, questioning why Furqan was targeted for showing solidarity with Palestine, noting that India officially supports Palestine at the UN.
