Controversial Arrests in Jammu and Kashmir Spark Criticism Amidst Cricket Celebration

Seven students from an agriculture university in the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) region have been arrested under anti-terror laws for allegedly celebrating Australia’s victory over India in the men’s Cricket World Cup final earlier this month, according to local police reports on Tuesday.

The arrests, made under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), were prompted by a complaint filed by a fellow student. The complainant accused the detainees of raising anti-India slogans and cheering for Pakistan alongside Australia after the intense cricket match.

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J&K, a region claimed by both India and Pakistan, has long been a hotspot of political tension and insurgency. The Muslim-majority area has witnessed decades of conflict, with militants engaging in insurgency against New Delhi since the 1990s. While violence has decreased in recent years, the underlying tensions persist.

The video evidence presented by the police allegedly captured the accused students chanting anti-India slogans. The UAPA, dealing with incitement or advising any unlawful activity, carries a severe penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment.

Family members and lawyers of the arrested students were not immediately available for comment, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty. Meanwhile, political leaders from local parties opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in J&K argued that the arrests were a method to intimidate locals.

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However, a local policeman countered, stating that the chants had “terrorised” those who support India. The backdrop of the Kashmir conflict adds a complex layer to this incident. Muslims in J&K have historically used cricket matches as a form of protest against Indian rule, often expressing support for the competing side.

Australia’s unexpected victory in the World Cup match against a dominant Indian side on November 19 had already stirred emotions, and these arrests have now added a controversial chapter to the post-match narrative.