Mehbooba Mufti backs Kashmiri cricketer wearing Palestinian flag, police order enquiry
Jammu: People’s Democratic Party president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday publicly backed a South Kashmir cricketer after police initiated a preliminary enquiry into his act of wearing a helmet bearing the Palestinian flag during a local cricket tournament in Jammu.
The cricketer, Furqan Ul Haq, a resident of Tangipuna in Pulwama district, was seen wearing the helmet while playing a match at K C Door in the Muthi area on the outskirts of Jammu city, as reported by The Observer Post. A video of the incident circulated widely on social media, prompting Jammu and Kashmir Police to begin a 14-day preliminary enquiry at Domana police station under Section 173(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
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Reacting to the development, Mehbooba Mufti posted on social media in support of Palestine, sharing a poetic message, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” — along with an image of the Palestinian flag. Her statement came amid growing political and public debate over the incident.
A police spokesperson said the enquiry would examine the facts of the case, the intent behind the act, the player’s background and any possible linkages. The provision under which the enquiry has been ordered allows police to conduct a time-bound preliminary assessment, with prior approval from a Deputy Superintendent of Police, before deciding whether further investigation is required.
Sources cited by The Observer Post said Furqan was playing for the JK11 team in a match against the Jammu Trailblazers during the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League, a privately organised tournament. He reportedly came out to bat in the fourth over when he was seen wearing the helmet with the Palestinian flag. Furqan and the league organiser, Sajid Bhat, were subsequently summoned for questioning.
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association clarified that it has no association with the tournament, stating that the league was privately organised and not recognised by the official cricket body.
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Virat Kohli not available for Railways tie; Rishabh Pant, Harshit Rana to play
Bengaluru (PTI): India superstar Virat Kohli will not feature in Delhi's fixture against Railways in the Vijay Hazare Trophy here on Tuesday, head coach Sarandeep Singh told PTI.
Kohli, who made 131 and 77 on his return to the premier domestic one-day competition, will soon rejoin the national team for the ODI series against New Zealand beginning on January 11.
However, pacer Harshit Rana and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant are available for selection for the game in Alur on Tuesday, said Sarandeep.
"Virat is not available. Pant and Harshit will be playing tomorrow," said the head coach and former India spinner.
DDCA president Rohan Jaitely had earlier indicated that Kohli would play three games.
Delhi currently lead Group D with four wins in five matches and a victory against Railways should be enough to advance in the tournament.
The first ODI between India and New Zealand will be played in Vadodara on January 11, followed by games in Rajkot and Indore on January 14 and 18 respectively.
Kohli, now a one format cricket, has been in stellar form of late and racked up two hundreds and an unbeaten 65 in the three-match home series against South Africa last month.
