Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said peace is a basic prerequisite for development, and the tourism and sports sectors to flourish in Jammu and Kashmir.
“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 at a function here as he launched the jersey of the Real Kashmir Football Club.
“Peace is the foundation for everything. The message of today’s programme, the jersey, is also peace,” he added.
Without mentioning the Central government or the Lt. Governor’s office, who manage the security and affairs of law and order, Abdullah said the responsibility of establishing peace does not fall with him, and asserted that “those who are responsible, should fulfill their responsibility”.
The chief minister said his government is targeted for everything that happens in Jammu and Kashmir, even as law and order is not its domain.
“At least there is something for which we cannot be held responsible because establishing peace is not the responsibility of my government yet. But, our government is targeted for everything,” he said.
On the upgradation of the sports infrastructure, Abdullah said his government has a special focus on sports activities and sports infrastructure.
“There is hardly any assembly segment where some sports infrastructure is not being built by our government. Infrastructure is being built after assessing the interest of the youth in each assembly segment,” he said.
The chief minister said his endeavour is to create sports infrastructure and then hand it over to the youth to utilise it.
“Tournaments, race, etc, are being held at the district and sub-district level. The second edition of the Kashmir marathon is being held on November 2. I want to extend an invitation to the athletes from across the country, especially those who are interested in a half-marathon, to come to Srinagar and hope they will run with us on November 2,” he said.
Asked about the status of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, which was affected by landslides triggered by heavy rain, Abdullah said, “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, and then vehicles can move freely. But, as of now, no vehicles are stranded,” he said.
Pertinently, the special edition “Peace Jersey” of Real Kashmir FC, designed in collaboration with Danish sportswear brand Hummel, was unveiled at a ceremony held at TRC Ground Srinagar.
The Chief Minister said the initiative symbolizes the power of sports in fostering peace, unity and community spirit across Jammu and Kashmir.
The jersey design is a tribute to Kashmir’s cultural heritage and aspirations. Drawing inspiration from the historic Hari Parbat Fort—a symbol of communal harmony housing a shrine, a temple, and a gurdwara—the kit features a sky-blue base signifying peace.
Highlighting the intrinsic link between peace and progress, Omar Abdullah added: “This jersey itself carries a message of peace. From tourism to hosting day-night matches, nothing can succeed without a stable and peaceful environment. Ensuring this is a responsibility that must be fulfilled by all concerned.”
