Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that peace is a basic prerequisite for development in the tourism and sports sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the significance of stability for fostering growth during a press interaction after unveiling the Real Kashmir Football Club’s new jersey.
“For development in tourism or sports, we need peace. If we hope to hold evening matches, people will hesitate to participate if the situation is unstable,” Abdullah remarked. His comments came in the backdrop of rising concerns about safety and stability in the region.
Abdullah officially launched the jersey at a ceremony held at TRC Ground, asserting that the essence of the program symbolized peace. He reiterated, “Peace is the foundation for everything. The message we convey today through the jersey is primarily one of peace.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha echoed Abdullah’s sentiments by stating that peace is critical for development in Jammu and Kashmir, acknowledging that remnants of terrorism still affect the Union Territory.
Addressing concerns around the responsibility for establishing peace, Abdullah stated, “The responsibility of establishing peace does not rest solely with me. Those who are responsible must fulfill their duty.” He expressed frustration that his government often faces accusations for law and order issues that fall outside its control.
“My government often becomes the target for everything that occurs in Jammu and Kashmir. Establishing peace isn’t our responsibility, yet we are blamed for every incident,” he asserted.
On improving sports infrastructure, Abdullah announced substantial developments aimed at enhancing sports activities across the region. He stated, “There is hardly any assembly segment where we are not building sports infrastructure after assessing local youth interests.”
Emphasizing his government’s commitment to fostering sports, he expressed, “My goal is to create robust sports facilities and hand them over to the youth for utilization.”
He also shared details of upcoming events such as the second edition of the Kashmir Marathon scheduled for November 2, inviting athletes from across the country to participate in a half-marathon in Srinagar.
Responding to queries about the status of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, which recently faced disruptions due to landslides, Abdullah said, “We are currently unable to complete black-topping on the 300-meter stretch affected by the rains. We will address this issue shortly, ensuring that vehicle movement returns to normal. As of now, no vehicles are stranded.”
The launch of the “Peace Jersey” of Real Kashmir FC, designed in collaboration with the renowned Danish sportswear brand Hummel, serves as a testament to sports’ potential in bridging divides and fostering unity. Abdullah described the jersey as a tribute to Kashmir’s rich cultural tapestry, featuring a sky-blue base to symbolize peace.
“Real Kashmir FC exemplifies how football can inspire and unite communities. Sports are a vital bridge for peace,” Abdullah concluded, echoing the sentiments of a hopeful future driven by solidarity and peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
