Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 23

Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma on Saturday said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was in New Delhi “on a mission” and expressed hope that he would return with positive outcomes for the Union Territory.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Special National Integration Camp at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar, Sharma said Abdullah was holding a series of meetings in the national capital.

“The Chief Minister is in New Delhi on a mission. He is meeting people there, and we are expecting that he will return with something good,” Sharma said.

Responding to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s criticism that the chief minister was “missing on the ground,” Sharma said the BJP should accept the electoral verdict delivered by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“The BJP is in opposition for the sake of opposition. The fact is that they have been rejected by the people of J&K for 60 months. The feeling of rejection is hard to digest, but they have to play a constructive role as opposition,” he said.

Sharma said political parties should move beyond differences and work together for the welfare and development of Jammu and Kashmir.

“We should rise above party politics and give our efforts to make J&K beautiful and prosperous. I won’t go by what they say about the chief minister,” he said.

Highlighting the role of sports in youth development, Sharma said the government was expanding sporting activities across Jammu and Kashmir to help steer young people away from drug abuse.

“Sports is the only way to keep youth away from drugs. We all should play a positive role to channelise the energy of our youth,” he said.

He said the government was planning to host more major sporting events in the region.

Sharma said Jammu and Kashmir had already hosted water sports and downhill mountain biking events in Gulmarg, with similar events planned in Sonamarg.

 “We will hold similar sporting events in Sonamarg as well,” he said.

He said that efforts were also underway to host Commonwealth-level Kho-Kho events in J&K.

“We have called sports ministers here for four days. J&K will prosper,” Sharma said.

Emphasising unity and diversity, the minister said National Cadet Corps cadets reflected the spirit of the country.

“Our NCC cadets do not believe in caste, creed and colour. Diversity is our strength and NCC cadets are our ambassadors,” he said.

Referring to tourism, Sharma said tourist arrivals in Jammu and Kashmir had increased despite challenges faced in the recent past.

“People from many states are coming here in large numbers,” he said, adding that tourism potential in hilly areas including Chenab Valley and Kathua would be further promoted.

Sharma said he remained committed to serving the people of J&K “as their true representative”.

“I am the son of a soldier, and I say it with pride,” he said.