Jammu and Kashmir curfew forces teams indoors, hits football tie

Situation in Kashmir has forced All India Football Federation (AIFF) to reconsider its decision to hold the final of Federation Cup in Srinagar.

Federation Cup, Federation Cup final, Kashmir, Jammu Kashmir football Association, JKFA, Srinagar, All India Football Federation, AIFF, Mohammedan Sporting, Football

AIFF officials called an emergency meeting on the eve of the match and reviewed the security scenario. (Source: PTI)

Mohammedan Sporting landed in Srinagar on Wednesday hoping for a win and three points, which would put their second division campaign back on track. For the hosts Lonestar Kashmir, the fixture went beyond merely a win or defeat. It was a momentous occasion for the fledgling club, hosting the state’s first-ever national championship match at the synthetic turf on TRC Ground. But on match day, both teams found themselves locked up in their respective hotels after curfew was imposed on the eve of the match.

The ‘volatile’ situation in the Valley following the death of a young cricketer and three others in firing by security forces in Handwara and Kupwara districts forced the match officials to call off the tie between the two teams. The match officials along with the members of the Jammu & Kashmir Football Association deemed it was unsafe for the teams to travel from the hotel to the stadium and play the match, eventually deciding to cancel the tie.

Federation Cup final doubtful

The situation has also forced the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to reconsider its decision to hold the final of the Federation Cup in Srinagar next month.

A match official said they called an emergency meeting on the eve of the match and reviewed the security scenario. “The officials and JKFA met on Wednesday evening and reviewed the situation. The JKFA members said the situation was very volatile and felt it was not appropriate to carry on with the match. Hence, it was decided to call off the match,” the official said. “It was not advisable to venture outdoors as the local officials told us that curfew had been imposed and even the players were not feeling comfortable. The visiting team spent the entire day in the hotel.”

Lonestar Kashmir, the first professional club from the state, have assured the AIFF of fool-proof security for the next match against Dempo that will be played on April 18. However, it isn’t certain if the tie will go ahead as scheduled. The tie was crucial for the Kashmir side, who have had a dismal season so far, managing just one point in the three matches — all on the road. Formed last year in the aftermath of the floods that ravaged the state, Lonestar Kashmir were banking on home comfort to bounce back and live up to the promise they showed last season.

However, the situation has been tense in the Valley and after a couple of days of violence, the streets are being patrolled by local cops and paramilitary personnel to ensure that prohibitory orders are not violated. There have been calls of total shutdown by separatist groups in protest against the civilian deaths.

AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said they have been in touch with the club officials, who have assured they’ll be able to host future second division matches. However, the federation is having second thoughts on hosting the Federation Cup final at the Bakshi Stadium, scheduled to be held on May 21. Apart from security concerns, the stadium is deemed unfit to host the match. “We will be having an inspection next week and following that, we will take a call whether to keep Srinagar as the host or shift the match,” Das said.

Mihir Vasavda

Over the course of a 18-year-long career, Mihir Vasavda has covered 2010 FIFA World Cup; the London 2012, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games; Asian Games in 2014 and 2022; Commonwealth Games in 2010 and 2018; Hockey World Cups in 2018 and 2023 and the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup. ... Read More