Opinion | Sports and peace building in kashmir

By : Tahir

Among the total population of Jammu and Kashmir 69 per cent comprises the youth. Considering this fact, it is very important that young population is taken care of and every effort should be put in operation to make a reach out to the young population of Jammu and Kashmir. Their every legitimate demand should be met with out any further delay. Kashmir region which is now going through a peaceful atmosphere after abrogation of special status should not fall into the hands of those having nefarious design. Efforts of the government to restore peace and order are appreciable but due care needs to be taken to make the peace a permanent feature.

In Kashmir, the rate of unemployed youth is growing and they are facing multiple issues due to which they fall into trap of enemies of peace. Not also this, but drug abuse among the youth is alarming. It is not possible for the government to provide a government job to every individual but it is possible definitely that government can guide the youth and provide them assistance.

In sports youth of Jammu and Kashmir has showed their worth. This is because of the efforts of the government that youth are inclined towards different kinds of sports. Sport promote peace, tolerance, and understanding. It brings us together across boundaries and cultures. Thus sports can provide a chance to the youth of Kashmir to interact with the other fellow citizens of the country and build an understanding. In Kashmir army and Jammu and Kashmir Police is doing a wonderful job to promote sports spirit among the youth. In the month of June 2022 Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi on the occasion of a sports event said, “Army will provide more opportunities to the youth to fulfill their aspirations and keep them away from social evils”. Lt Gen Dwivedi said that many prominent cricketers have emerged from the region and participated in national level, adding, “Indian Army in close coordination with J-K Sports Council, J-K Cricket Association and civil administration will continue to organize such events to provide opportunities to the youth to fulfill their aspirations.”

The Kashmir Premier League (KPL) was organized by the Indian Army with civil administration support. Over 3200 youngsters became part of the Kashmir Premier League, with 200 teams from the valley participated in it. Army is engaging the youth into sports and other activities . The army sponsored whole KPL tournament. Uniforms, cricket playing kits and rest of the things were provided by the Indian army. In every nook and corner of the Valley Indian army assist the youth in organizing tournaments. But there is a need that during winters too youth must be involved in sports and army has a big role to play in this direction.

Sports are becoming a part of peace building worldwide. In Kashmir Sports can bring people together towards a common aim. Sports can build relationships between different groups of the community and different kinds of community conflicts can be resolved. “In the field of peacebuilding, sports are defined broadly as activities that foster physical fitness, inclusion and mental health, including: free play, recreation, organized sports, casual sports, competitive sports, and indigenous sports or games.” (UN, 2003).

There is no doubt that in Kashmir youth carry tendency to associate themselves with radical actions. The average age of youth who indulged in radical activities has been found below 30. Government made serious efforts to curb this tendency but still a lot needs to be done to control the menace. The radical tendencies can be controlled with the help of sports . Youth needs to be introduced to other sports activities also. Kashmir has a vast adventure sports tourism potential. Government should immediately introduce adventure sports activities in all the exiting and newly introduced tourist destination.

Bangus valley in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district has a huge potential to provide diverse adventure sports to the youth of Kashmir during winters as well in summers. It is important that sports activities should not stop during winters in Kashmir but must be continued. Similarly Gurez Valley can be a place for such activities. Recently government of India has brought several border areas on tourism map like Keran, Machil, Tangdhar and other place. These places can act as adventure sports areas and thus can contribute towards peace building.
Tourist place of Kashmir are suitable for White Water Rafting. Our rivers can be used for Wild Water Rafting, Parasailing, Swimming, angling, Canoeing.
In Land Adventure Sports these places are perfect for Mountaineering, Skiing, Ice Skating, Snowboarding Trekking, mountain Cycling, and Cave Exploration. These adventure activities can be conducted both in all seasons.
Kashmir is not only about natural beauty but it has unparalleled potential to be the best adventure sports destination which itself can bring transformation among its young population if sports is taken as a priority.