A Kashmiri cricketer, Furqan Bhat, displayed a Palestinian flag on his helmet during a private cricket tournament in Jammu, prompting the Jammu and Kashmir Police to launch a 14-day preliminary inquiry under Section 173(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS).
The incident surfaced after a video circulated on social media showing Bhat wearing the helmet while playing for a local team, JK11, against Jammu Trailblazers in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Champions League (JKCL) in Jammu district. Bhat is a resident of Tangipuna in Pulwama district.
Following the video’s circulation, there was a public outcry in Jammu, leading to summons being issued to both Bhat and the tournament organizer, Zahid Bhat, by local police. Authorities stated that the inquiry was initiated due to the sensitivities surrounding the issue and its potential impact on public order, aiming to clarify the facts, intent, and background of the individuals involved.
As of now, no formal First Information Report (FIR) has been filed, although both Bhat and Zahid Bhat have been questioned. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) distanced itself from the tournament, asserting that neither player was affiliated with the organization.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu has also called for action against Bhat. Senior BJP leader and MLA R.S. Pathania characterized the act as a serious issue, indicating it might represent an attempt to exploit a sports setting for a political agenda. He urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
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