- By Priyanka Koul
- Sat, 03 Jan 2026 12:18 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have officially launched an investigation into a Kashmiri cricketer for displaying the Palestinian flag during a private tournament. In response to this, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti voiced her support for the player, sharing the Palestinian flag and calling for a free Palestine.
In a post on X (formerly twitter) Former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti swiftly reacted, posting the Palestinian flag on her social media account and expressing her strong backing for the Palestinian cause.
"From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. A flag in the wind, bold and free, from the river to the sea," she wrote.

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) January 2, 2026
From the river to the sea,
Palestine will be free.
A flag in the wind, bold and free,
From the river to the sea. https://t.co/auXcMGV1VP pic.twitter.com/ouE57zvnVU
Police officials revealed that a preliminary inquiry was initiated after a video surfaced showing the cricketer, Furqan Ul Haque, wearing a helmet adorned with a Palestinian logo. The inquiry is being carried out under Section 173(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which deals with offences punishable by up to three years in prison.
"Yesterday, a video circulating on social media showed a cricketer, Furqan Ul Haq, playing at KC Door, Muthi, while displaying a Palestine logo on his helmet," the police said in a statement.
"Given the sensitive nature of the issue and its potential to affect public order, a 14-day preliminary inquiry has been initiated at PS Domana to determine the facts, intent, background of the individual, and any possible connections."
While the BJP has called for a thorough investigation, several political parties and leaders in the Valley have criticised the police's actions.
India officially supports Palestine at the UN. Then why was J&K cricketer Furqan Bhatt questioned for displaying the Palestinian flag 🇵🇸 on his helmet in solidarity? India voted in favour of Palestine’s statehood in a recent UN resolution. There is no harm in showing solidarity,… pic.twitter.com/AW274nowyl
— Salman Nizami (@SalmanNizami_) January 2, 2026
"India officially supports Palestine at the UN. So why was a J&K cricketer questioned for displaying the Palestinian flag? India recently voted in favour of Palestine's statehood in a UN resolution. There’s no harm in showing solidarity, Jammu police," said Salman Nizami in a post on X.
