Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that peace is essential for the development of tourism and sports in Jammu and Kashmir during a press conference on Sunday. His comments came as he launched the jersey for Real Kashmir Football Club, reinforcing the message of communal harmony.
“For development, tourism, or sports… we need peace for everything. If we talk about hosting matches, who will come to play in the evening if the situation is not conducive?” Abdullah remarked, highlighting the direct link between stability and sporting events.
Abdullah underscored that without peace, initiatives and events would lack the required participation and support. He reiterated the importance of peace, stating, “Peace is the foundation for everything.” This sentiment encapsulates the underlying theme of today’s program—promoting peace through sports.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha recently echoed Abdullah’s sentiments, affirming that peace remains a prerequisite for overall development in the Union Territory. He acknowledged that remnants of terrorism continue to pose challenges, thus necessitating a unified effort to foster a peaceful atmosphere.
The chief minister acknowledged that ensuring peace is not solely his responsibility. He pointed out, “Those who are responsible should fulfil their obligations.” Abdullah criticized the tendency to blame his government for issues related to law and order, adding, “My government is unfairly targeted for events beyond its control.”
On the development front, Abdullah highlighted his government’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure. He stated, “There is hardly any assembly segment where some sports facility is not being developed by our government.” This shows the administration’s focus on engaging youth through sports initiatives.
The chief minister also mentioned ongoing efforts to improve sporting facilities in the region. “Tournaments and races are being held at district and sub-district levels,” he said, encouraging national athletes to participate in upcoming events. Abdullah specifically invited athletes to the second edition of the Kashmir marathon, scheduled for November 2, which aims to attract participants from across the country.
Addressing infrastructure concerns, Abdullah commented on the impact of recent landslides on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. “We haven’t been able to complete black-topping on a 300-meter stretch washed away by rains. We will address this soon to ensure vehicles can move freely,” he added, clarifying that no vehicles currently remain stranded.
During the jersey launch, held at TRC Ground, Abdullah described the “Peace Jersey” designed in collaboration with Danish sportswear brand Hummel as a symbol of unity and community spirit. The jersey’s design pays homage to Kashmir’s cultural heritage, featuring a sky-blue base to signify peace along with motifs inspired by the historic Hari Parbat Fort, a symbol of communal harmony.
He emphasized, “Real Kashmir FC exemplifies how football can inspire communities. Sports serve as a crucial bridge for peace.” Abdullah’s remarks reflect a broader commitment to use sports as a means to achieve harmony within Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to transform the region into a hub of tourism and athletic excellence.
