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.
ALSO READ: Congress and NCP (SP) to contest separately in Nagpur civic polls
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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
US–Iran first round direct talks conclude in Islamabad: Report
_vb_48.jpeg)
The first round of direct talks between the United States and Iran, held in Islamabad, has concluded, Al Jazeera reported citing sources close to the development.
According to the report, following the discussions, delegations from both sides agreed to exchange written documents, a move aimed at ensuring clarity and consensus on the understandings reached during the meeting.
Both the Iranian and US delegations arrived in Islamabad on Saturday, April 11, amid high security for the peace talks.
_vb_17.jpeg)
