The Army faced an embarrassing moment in Budgam on Saturday when a winning cricket team’s supporters raised slogans supporting Pakistan and alleged Al-Qaeda supporter Zakir Musa, besides unfurling a Pakistani flag.
Eyewitnesses said the match between local teams was part of the Army-sponsored Kashmir Premier League, aimed at striking a chord with the local cricketing talent and wean them away from militancy.
However, pro-Pakistan and pro-Musa slogans, were heard immediately after the match was over and the officials were preparing for an award ceremony. National Conference leader Aga Syed Ruhullah, an influential Shia leader, was present. A police official confirmed to The Hindu about the sloganeering. However, the official said the crowd was “jubilant after winning the match and dispersed peacefully”.
