Tangmarg: September 27, 2026 : A summer tournament was held today at Tareen, Tangmarg, with BJP senior leader and MP Ghulam Ali Khatana attending the event as the Chief Guest.
During the event, Khatana distributed awards among the winners and participants and appreciated their dedication, sportsmanship and participation. He said that such tournaments provide local youth with an opportunity to showcase their sporting talent and encourage greater participation in sports and healthy activities.
Speaking on the occasion, Khatana appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he described as a positive transformation in the lives of the younger generation in Kashmir. He said that the youth have moved from “bloodshed and hartals to playgrounds and schools,” while farmers are focusing on their fields and entrepreneurs are being encouraged to start businesses and invest.
Khatana said that greater opportunities in education, sports, agriculture and business are important for providing the youth with constructive avenues and strengthening grassroots development.
Khatana Flays Omar Abdullah Over Statehood Resolution
On the sidelines of the tournament, Khatana criticised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the issue of restoration of statehood and questioned the political intent behind the resolutions passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on the issue.
Khatana alleged that linking the restoration of statehood with autonomy was creating hurdles in the process. Referring to the political history of the Abdullah family, he said that the demand for autonomy associated with Sheikh Abdullah had already been rejected and “put in the dustbin.”
Khatana also referred to Omar Abdullah’s tenure in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, when he served as Minister of State for External Affairs. He questioned the present position on autonomy and statehood, and said that political issues should not become an impediment to the restoration of statehood.
He said the focus should remain on development, peace, employment, education and creating opportunities for the people and youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
The tournament concluded with the distribution of awards and recognition of participating players. The organisers and attendees encouraged local youth to continue pursuing sports and other constructive activities.
