Kashmiris celebrate Pakistan win over Indian in CT final

Bursting of firecrackers, pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans reverberated in pockets of Kashmir Valley during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday following Pakistan’s stunning win against arch-rival India in the Champions Trophy final at the Oval.

With separatists leaders joining the chorus to congratulate Pakistan, people in old city and uptown areas of Srinagar came out of their homes to celebrate neighbouring country's victory. Reports of celebrations were also received from districts headquarters of the valley.

Fearing violence, authorities had closed the gates to the NIT-Srinagar campus, which remained calm despite last year’s clashes following India’s loss to the West Indies during the T-20 semifinal.

In some areas, reports said, the celebrations led to violence as security forces dispersed crowds with tear gas shells and pellet firing. In south Kashmir districts of Pulwama Shopian and Kulgam, the hub of the new militancy in the Valley, victory marches was taken out by the youth, eyewitnesses said.

"It is no secret that majority in Kashmir valley love Pakistan cricket team. Dejection after Pakistan’s defeat and joy after their win is something that can be noticed easily on Kashmiri faces," elated, Suhail Mir, a businessman said.

Earlier, moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar tweeted a congratulatory message to Pakistani team, invoking a strong response from former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir. “Fireworks all around feels like an early Eid here. The better team took the day. Congratulations team #Pakistan,” Mirwaiz wrote on Twitter.

Reacting to the tweet, Gambhir said “A suggestion to @MirwaizKashmir why don’t u cross the border? U will get better fireworks (Chinese?), Eid celebs there. I can help u wid packing (sic),” the cricketer tweeted.