Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on Sunday that peace is essential for the growth of the tourism and sports sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that without peace, achieving development in these areas becomes increasingly challenging.
“For development, tourism, or sports… we need peace for everything. If we talk about having day and night matches, and if the situation is not good, then who will come to play in the evening?” Abdullah told reporters in an event held at the Tourist Reception Centre. The chief minister made this statement while unveiling a special jersey for the Real Kashmir Football Club.
During the launch, he highlighted the jersey’s symbolic message of peace, stating, “Peace is the foundation for everything. The message of today’s programme, the jersey, is also peace.” This event aligns with a broader message from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who had recently reiterated that peace is a prerequisite for development in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that remnants of terrorism persist in the region.
Abdullah remarked that the responsibility of maintaining peace does not solely rest with him. He asserted that “those who are responsible should fulfil their responsibility,” indicating that maintaining law and order is a collective societal responsibility that extends beyond the government.
The chief minister expressed frustration over the criticism faced by his government regarding law and order situations. “At least there is something for which we cannot be held responsible because establishing peace is not the responsibility of my government. But our government is targeted for everything,” he remarked, underlining the complexities of governance in the region.
Speaking on the upgradation of sports infrastructure, Abdullah showcased his government’s commitment to enhancing sports opportunities for youth across Jammu and Kashmir. He stated, “There is hardly any assembly segment where sports infrastructure is not being built by our government. Infrastructure is being developed in response to the interests of the youth in each assembly segment.”
He expressed his aim to create sports facilities and subsequently hand them over to the youth for their use. “Tournaments and races are being organized at the district and sub-district levels. I want to extend an invitation to athletes nationwide to participate in the second edition of the Kashmir marathon on November 2,” he added, encouraging sports participation to boost community spirit.
Responding to inquiries about the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, which recently experienced disruptions due to landslides, Abdullah assured that repairs are underway. “We haven’t completed black-topping on the 300-meter stretch that was washed away. We will address that shortly; however, vehicles are currently not stranded on the route,” he informed.
During the unveiling of the “Peace Jersey” for Real Kashmir FC, designed in partnership with Danish sportswear brand Hummel, Abdullah conveyed that the initiative represents the unifying power of sports. The jersey design pays homage to Kashmir’s cultural heritage, inspired by the historic Hari Parbat Fort, a landmark symbolizing communal harmony that houses a shrine, a temple, and a gurdwara. This design features a sky-blue base that signifies peace, as emphasized by the officials.
“Real Kashmir FC exemplifies how football can inspire and unite communities. Sports are a vital bridge for peace,” Abdullah stated passionately, underscoring the significant role that sports play in fostering a spirit of unity in Jammu and Kashmir.
