Not everyone in India is hoping for a victory over Pakistan in the cricket World Cup: in Indian held Kashmir, allegiance to the rival team reflects bitter feelings in the turbulent region. From Internet networking sites to social gatherings, most Kashmiris openly acknowledge their support for Pakistan in Wednesday's semi-final clash with India.
"I am very tense and praying for the victory of Pakistan," die-hard fan Mohammad Hafiz, 65, told AFP in occupied Srinagar. "Supporting the Pakistani cricket team is in our genes. It reflects our anger at India," he said. At the quarter-final stage, Pakistan's thumping victory over the West Indies was celebrated with fire crackers but India's win against Australia passed without a murmur.
Security forces, who are constantly on patrol, try to prevent any sign of support for Pakistan, and locals say that hoisting a Pakistan flag would be a life-threatening act. Two one-day internationals were held in occupied Srinagar in the past: against Clive Lloyd's West Indies in 1983 and Allan Border's Australia in 1986.
The Indian team lost both games and faced hostile crowds at the Sher-i-Kashmir stadium. No internationals have been staged there since. The full-throated support for the West Indians in 1983 prompted Lloyd to wonder if the match had been played in the Caribbean.
"There is huge distrust and alienation among Kashmiris due to the wrong policies of India," Gul Mohammad Wani, who teaches political science at Kashmir University, told AFP. "In my opinion, these are the main reasons for the support the Pakistani team enjoys."
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