HATS off to Kashmiri cricketers for wearing Pakistan national team kits and playing our national anthem to show their love for Pakistan in Bandipura before a match.

Considering the presence of over half a million Indian troops in Indian-occupied Kashmir and the prevailing draconian laws in the valley, this courageous gesture by these cricketers depicts the ground reality.

This shows deep affection of the Kashmiri youth for Pakistan. It was a message to the Indian governments, which, despite state oppression for over 70 years, have not been able to suppress the freedom struggle.

The arrest of four cricketers on this account shows the narrow mindedness of the local authorities and exposes India’s real face when it comes to freedom of expression in occupied Kashmir.

I hope Indian civil society will take notice of this rather cruel act and urge the authorities concerned to release these young cricketers.

The Modi government must learn from history to know that no amount of suppression can overcome a freedom struggle. India’s own independence from the British rule is testimony to this very fact.

B. Malik
Lahore

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2018