Jammu: Sports and games become important tools to promote brotherhood and community bonding between the two divisions of Jammu and Kashmir.
This was stated by Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President, Jammu, J&K National Conference while speaking during the cricket tournament organised in Jagti stadium on the outskirts of Jammu. The tournament was managed by Subash Zutshi (Sonu) and sponsored by Landmark Crafts Pvt Ltd. Dr Jatin Bhat, President Youth NC Minority Cell; Ashok Koul Vice President; Vijay Lochan, Provincial President SC Cell; Rattan Lal Malla, O.N Razdan were also present.
The senior NC leader, who was the Chief Guest, said Jammu and Kashmir has no dearth of talent but there is a need to identify and sharpen their sporting skills with experienced coaches. Grooming and shaping the talent of sportspersons is an investment to brighten the future of enterprising youth and channel their energies into positive pursuits.
While conveying best wishes on behalf of Dr Farooq Abdullah, President JKNC, Rattan Lal Gupta congratulated the participants for their impressive performance and said that winning or losing is part of the game and this should be taken in sportsmen spirit. He said that the larger objective of sporting activities is to foster unity and brotherhood, which is necessary for the harmonious growth of society. He advised the youth to aim high and pursue their objective with sincerity of the purpose of Nasha Mukt Bharat and J&K.
Rattan Lal complemented the organizing committee ‘ORZU—a sports, cultural and educational trust, for organizing a cricket tournament in Jagti township in which eight cricket teams from across Jammu and Kashmir are participating. He said in the present scenario there is a dire need of holding such tournaments which strengthen the bond of unity and oneness between the communities across the Jammu and Kashmir. He asked people to remain vigilant against the reactionary forces who were hell-bent upon creating wedges between the communities to fulfil their ulterior motives.
Expressing concern over PM Package KP employees and reserved category employees of Jammu who were on protest for the last more than 300 days in Jammu in view of selective killings in Kashmir, Rattan Lal asked the J&K administration to infuse a sense of security among the protesting employees who fear they may be targeted next. He said these employees are ready to go to Kashmir to resume their duties but Government should first ensure a safe atmosphere for their working in Kashmir.
Later, the Provincial President met the migrant deputation and listened to their issues with regard to the deplorable condition of migrants at Jagti Mini Township. The deputation highlighted that no repairs of TRTs were conducted for the last 8 years since the BJP govt have taken over in Centre/UT since they are living a miserable life in absence of basic amenities.
Rattan Lal asked the government to look into the matter and address the problems being faced by Kashmir Pandits residing in several migrant camps at Jagti, Muthi, Buta Nagar and Purkhoo in Jammu. They have also requested the upgradation of the Playground of Jagti which is also in miserable condition lacking basic facilities like a washroom and changing room.
