Kashmir fuming over cricketer's detention in Bangalore

Srinagar: Kashmir valley is seething after two of its junior cricketers suspected of terrorist activity were questioned - and later let off. A forensic report is awaited on the bag of one of the cricketers which set off a security alarm.

"I think it's injustice with Kashmiris," says budding cricketer Rauf. With this Kashmiris will not be safe anywhere. They were just innocent boys. It just lowers our morale and makes us feel insecure."

The detention of two Under-22 cricketers in Bangalore has triggered seething anger in Kashmir. The Bangalore police had detained Pervez Rasool and Mehrazzuddin after Rasool's bag set off a bomb detector. Although they were questioned and let off, Kashmir's cricket lovers are crying foul.

Says Parveez, "It is nothing. Whoever goes outside the valley is targeted outside. They don't want to give Kashmiris any chance."

Rasool's bag, which triggered the alarm, was among several handed over to the players hours before they left Delhi. The players underwent security checks at four airports before reaching Bangalore. Many are asking why no alarm went off at those times. Politicians in the valley have been quick to join the cry for justice.

People's Demopcratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti says, "They should have been given equal treatment as other boys. It's not just about this, it's about the whole Kashmir problem. It's an emotional - mental and physical - alienation, and these things add salt to the wounds of Kashmiris."

Even the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association is now demanding that BCCI reprimand the Karnataka State Cricket Association.

Saleem Khan, General Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, says: "We are writing to the BCCI about what has actually happened and what role did KSCA play as they should have helped our boys which they didn't. Now it depends on the boys as we are not sure if they want to play the match or not."

It may have seemed commonsense to check out a suspicious bag for the Bangalore police. But evidently, it has touched a raw nerve a thousand miles away.