A Kashmiri leader waved a Pakistani flag at a political gathering in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-held Kashmir.

According to reports in the Indian media, Hurriyat leader Masarat Alam waved the Pakistani flag on Wednesday to greet Syed Ali Shah Geelani at the rally.

Thousands of Kashmiris attended the rally, in the restive capital of state of Indian-held Kashmir, which was held as a show of strength to welcome Geelani on his return from New Delhi.

The Times of India reported that Alam also allegedly chanted pro-Pakistani slogans during the rally.

Alam was released from prison after four years on March 7 this year. Now, questions are being raised on his release and there are widespread reactions on social media platforms, demanding his rearrest.

The 47-year-old Alam, a likely successor to Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, organised Kashmiri youth to welcome Geelani on his return from New Delhi. Alam is known to use social media to spread his views and distribute audio CDs in mosques.

India reacted furiously following the show of support for Pakistan at the Srinagar rally.

National Spokesperson Bharatiya Janata Party GVL Narasimha Rao said the act was completely unacceptable.

“We expect the state government of Jammu and Kashmir, headed by Mufti Saeed, to take cognizance of the matter,” Rao added.

Earlier, Hurriyat leader Asia Andrabi had also hoisted the Pakistani flag at a political gathering in Indian-held Kashmir to mark solidarity with Pakistan on its Republic Day.