ibn sultan
Gulmarg, March 12 (KINS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday distanced himself from the Centre’s decision to ban the Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen (JKIM), stating that such matters were beyond the control of an elected government.
“I don’t know the reason behind the ban. These decisions are not in the hands of an elected government. As a matter of principle, we have never supported such actions,” Omar Abdullah told reporters in Gulmarg, as per news agency KINS.
He also noted that since the release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from house arrest, he had not observed any adverse statements from him.
On the sidelines of his media interaction, Omar welcomed the Union Sports Minister’s announcement regarding the establishment of a Winter Sports Centre of Excellence, emphasizing its potential to boost local talent.
“It is great to see the Union Sports Minister recognizing the importance of winter sports. The establishment of a Centre of Excellence will help our athletes immensely,” he said.
However, he expressed disappointment over the absence of Kashmiri athletes on the podium in recent competitions, despite Kashmir being the birthplace of skiing in India.
“I feel bad that skiing began in this country from Kashmir, yet none of our athletes were among the top three winners. I congratulate the Army, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh teams for their excellent performances,” Abdullah remarked.
He assured that his administration would focus on enhancing infrastructure and providing top-tier coaching to athletes. “By the time the next Khelo India event takes place, we want to see Kashmiri athletes among the top performers,” he asserted.
Responding to allegations by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding a hotel in Gulmarg—where a fashion show was recently organized—being owned by his relatives, Omar Abdullah acknowledged the connection but dismissed any wrongdoing.
“Yes, there are two hotels owned by my relatives. I have already made my stance clear in the Assembly. Nothing beyond that can be said. If there is any violation of the law, action will be taken accordingly,” he stated.(KINS)
