JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
An incident on the field during a local cricket tournament in Jammu and Kashmir has raised political heat.
The matter escalated into a controversy after cricketer Furqan-ul-Haq displayed a Palestinian flag on his helmet. Following the incident, the Jammu and Kashmir Police ordered a preliminary investigation, while heated exchanges of words erupted between political parties.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti questioned the action, linking it to freedom of expression. Supporting cricketer Furqan-ul-Haq, she said that speaking out about the situation in Palestine or raising voices in support of it is not a crime.
According to Iltija Mufti, in a democratic system, people should have the right to express their opinions.
Citing the example of Western countries, Iltija said that there are open protests against the deaths in Gaza, but in Jammu and Kashmir, small issues are ignored. But people are being harassed. She alleged that freedom of expression is being increasingly restricted here, and steps like the VPN ban point in this direction.
Iltija Mufti also strongly responded to the BJP’s statement that Hamas ideology would not be allowed to flourish in Jammu and Kashmir. Responding to this, Iltija said that just as slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” or “Bharat Mata ki Jai” cannot be forcibly imposed on anyone, it is also wrong to impose any ideology on people. She said that targeting the general public in ideological battles is dangerous for democracy.
Iltija Mufti also raised the issue of alleged attacks on Kashmiri students and shawl sellers in other states. She said that the government should take a tough stand in such cases so that a feeling of insecurity does not grow among Kashmiris.
Referring to the growing frustration in Jammu and Kashmir, she leveled serious allegations against the current government. Iltija said that people are unable to express themselves openly and the government is failing to address ground-level problems. is diverting attention from the issue. She accused the Chief Minister of remaining silent on crucial issues like Article 370 and only talking about restoring statehood.
Iltija Mufti also attacked the government over the power crisis. She claimed that electricity tariffs have increased by nearly 300 percent in the last four years. She questioned how a typical citizen earning ₹300 to ₹500 a day would pay a monthly electricity bill of ₹3,000 when regular power supply is not available in many areas. She recalled election promises like 200 units of free electricity, accusing the National Conference of breaking promises and calling the prepaid meter system anti-poor.
In essence, this issue, which began on the cricket field, has now reached the forefront of freedom of expression, political conflict, and the everyday problems of the common people. The question raised over a flag is now reflecting the deepening discontent in Jammu and Kashmir’s politics and society.
