Muslim cricketer banned for showing solidarity with Palestine in Indian occupied Kashmir

Srinagar: Indian extremism has once again been laid bare in Indian-occupied Kashmir, where a Muslim cricketer has been banned for expressing solidarity with Palestine by wearing a sticker of the Palestinian flag on his helmet during a match.

In Indian-occupied Kashmir, a Muslim cricketer faced disciplinary action merely for showing support for the Palestinian people, further exposing India’s anti-Palestine stance and hostility towards Muslims.

According to Indian media, the controversy arose during a local cricket tournament, the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League, when a cricketer named Furqan Bhatt entered the field wearing a Palestinian flag sticker on his helmet.

The incident quickly turned the tournament into a subject of dispute.

The match was held a few days ago at the KC Sports Club in Indian-occupied Kashmir.

Following the emergence of the issue, the local police launched an investigation. Tournament organisers informed the police that they were unaware of the sticker at the time.

However, Indian extremism once again came to the forefront, and a decision was taken to ban Furqan Bhatt from participating in future league matches.

Sources say that Furqan Bhatt has been summoned by the Kashmir police for questioning. The police are attempting to determine the intent behind displaying the Palestinian flag during the match.

After the incident came to light, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal reacted angrily.

According to Indian media, the BJP lawmaker stated that anyone wishing to live in India must fly the Indian flag, adding that those who display the Palestinian flag cannot be considered loyal to India.

The incident highlights India’s double standards, where claims of freedom of expression are made on the one hand, while even a symbolic expression of support for Palestine is not tolerated on the other.