Waris Fayaz
Srinagar, Jan 30 : Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma on Thursday said that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without statehood.
Speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural function of two-day All India Inter-University Winter Games by the Central University of Kashmir (CUK), the Minister said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given assurance that J&K’s statehood will be restored. We will get it back. It may get delayed by a few months, but it will be restored. It was taken from us, and we are incomplete without it.”
The Minister, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) also reassured that every promise made in their election manifesto would be fulfilled. “It has been just 105 days. You will hear a happy announcement in a few days, then another in three months. There’s a lot to happen—this is our time,” he said.
Taking a pledge to put J&K in top three sports destinations, Sharma said that there is a need for regular and year-round sporting events in the Union Territory. “Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is keen to empower J&K’s youth to compete at the global level,” he added.
The Minister said that the government wants to hold sports activities in J&K all throughout the year. “We won’t deter. I am a soldier’s son and remain dedicated to my words. We will bring Jammu and Kashmir among the top three regions in sports.”
To engage the youth in constructive activities, Sharma highlighted efforts to curb drug abuse and mobile addiction by bringing youngsters to playgrounds.
Additionally, he announced that 225 youth will soon be employed, with orders set to be issued shortly.
“For IT parks alone, at least 20,000 to 30,000 youth will be recruited soon, by God’s grace,” he said, adding that the government was committed to creating job avenues for the youth.
With Khelo India Winter Games approaching, Sharma assured that preparations were in full swing.
Pertinently, All India Inter-University Winter Games commenced today at Gulmarg, with participation from 27 universities across the country.
A total of 169 athletes, along with their coaches and support staff, will compete in the event, being hosted by the Central University of Kashmir.
