Rawalakot: Yesterday day during a champions trophy cricket match at Rawalpindi Stadium, Kashmiri fans were prevented from expressing their emotions. The Kashmir flag, a symbol of the rights, identity, and struggle of the Kashmiri people, was banned from being waved. This move is being seen as yet another attempt to suppress the emotions and aspirations for freedom of the Kashmiri people.
Throughout history, attempts to suppress the love, emotions, and desire for freedom of the Kashmiri people through force have consistently failed. The incident at Rawalpindi Stadium today reflects the hollow claims of keeping sports separate from politics. If waving a flag becomes a crime, then the claims of freedom and democracy lose their meaning.
This attitude is nothing but a failed attempt to silence the voices of Kashmiris. However, it must be remembered that emotions cannot be imprisoned within walls. The love and attachment in the hearts of the Kashmiri people cannot be erased by any force.
Instead of promoting hatred, we must foster love. Instead of suppressing, we must have the courage to listen.