Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlights that peace is vital for development and growth in the tourism and sports sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Abdullah asserted, “Peace is a basic prerequisite for development, tourism, or sports.”
During his address, he raised concerns over the feasibility of hosting sports events under volatile conditions, stating, “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?” This sentiment captures the challenge faced by sports and tourism industries, which thrive in stable conditions.
The CM launched the special edition jersey of the Real Kashmir Football Club during the event. He emphasized the significance of the jersey, declaring, “The message of today’s programme, the jersey, is also peace.” This initiative seeks to promote peace through sports, bridging communities across the region.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha echoed these sentiments over the weekend, asserting that peace is essential for Jammu and Kashmir’s development. He noted the lingering effects of past terrorism and the need for continuous efforts to ensure stability in the area.
While discussing the role of government in peacebuilding, Abdullah remarked, “The responsibility of establishing peace does not fall with me,” indicating that those charged with maintaining law and order must fulfill their duties effectively. He criticized how his government faces undue blame for the region’s law and order situation, insisting, “At least there is something for which we cannot be held responsible.”
Abdullah reiterated his government’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure. “There is hardly any assembly segment where some sports infrastructure is not being built by our government,” he noted. This initiative aims to cultivate local talent and encourage youth participation in sports.
The Chief Minister detailed that the government has focused on assessing local interest in sports to allocate resources effectively. “My endeavour is to create sports infrastructure and then hand it over to the youth to utilize,” Abdullah stated, signaling a transformative approach to sports development.
He invited athletes from across the country to participate in the upcoming Kashmir marathon scheduled for November 2, encouraging inclusivity and engagement. “I hope they will run with us on November 2,” Abdullah expressed, showcasing the event as a platform for unity.
On another note, Abdullah addressed the current state of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, which suffered damage from recent landslides due to heavy rain. “We haven’t been able to do black-topping on the 300-metre stretch that was washed away. We will do that after some time. But, as of now, no vehicles are stranded,” he clarified.
During the unveiling of the “Peace Jersey” designed by Danish sportswear brand Hummel, Abdullah remarked on the underlying message resonating from this initiative. He asserted that Real Kashmir FC exemplifies how football can inspire and unite local communities, stating, “Sports are a vital bridge for peace.”
The jersey’s design pays tribute to Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, inspired by the historic Hari Parbat Fort, which symbolizes communal harmony. The sky-blue base of the kit signifies peace, embodying the hopeful vision of a harmonious future.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Abdullah’s statements strongly reinforce the role of peace in fostering tourism and sports in Jammu and Kashmir. The successful implementation of programs that enhance community engagement through sports and infrastructural development could play a crucial role in revitalizing the region’s image as a serene destination.
