Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's appreciation for Pakistan cricket team after their victory against England in the Champions Trophy semifinal has kicked off a controversy, with the BJP demanding that sedition charges be pressed against the separatist leader.
Mirwaiz had tweeted: “As we were finishing the Taraweeh [special night prayers during the holy fasting month of Ramdan], we could hear the bursting of fire crackers. Well played team Pakistan. Best of luck for the finals!”
As we were finishing taraweeh,could hear the fire crackers bursting, well played team #Paksitan. Best of luck for the finals!
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) June 14, 2017
PDP leader Waheed Parra also criticised Mirwaiz for supporting Pakistan team. "Cricket should not be politicised," Parra tweeted.
Senior BJP legislator Ravinder Raina said Mirwaiz should be booked for sedition.
"All those who have sympathies with Pakistan are traitors and enemies," Raina said. "Supporting Pakistan cricket team shows the mentality of Hurriyat leader. The government should take it very seriously and sedition charges should be slapped on Mirwaiz."
Pro-Pakistan slogans and bursting of crackers were reported from many areas after Pakistan defeated England in the semi-finals.
But the main opposition National Conference mocked the BJP's demand of slapping sedition charges against Mirwaiz.
“Everybody is welcome to support whichever team they like. If Mirwaiz wants to support any particular sports team he is more than welcome,'' said NC spokesman Junaid Matto. ''Supporting sports team of any country is no ground for sedition''.
Mattoo said sedition was a very archaic and regressive law. He said that it was brought by the Britishers and people of India fought against it.
Earlier, residents in several areas of south Kashmir alleged that Army and police had barged into their homes celebrating Pakistan team's victory against Sri Lanka.
