Suhail Khan
Gulmarg, Feb 26: The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Minister, Satish Sharma on Thursday said that the people across the Union Territory have demonstrated remarkable unity in the face of terrorism, drawing parallels with the resistance shown during the 1947 tribal invasion. He asserted that attempts to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir through violence would not succeed.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 6th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, the National Conference leader, as per Kashmir Convener, said the response to last year’s terror attack in Pahalgam underscored the Kashmir’s collective resolve against disruptive forces. He stated that contrary to expectations that such incidents would paralyze normal life and economic activity, traders, businesspersons, and citizens responded by maintaining unity and unequivocally rejecting violence.
“After that incident, every person of Jammu and Kashmir stood against terrorism,” Sharma said, emphasizing the resilience repeatedly demonstrated by the region’s inhabitants.
The minister recalled Pakistan’s actions in 1947 and said residents of Jammu and Kashmir had resisted attempts to derail the region’s future even then. He specifically mentioned the people of Baramulla who, under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, opposed the tribal invasion and supported the accession of the erstwhile state to the Indian Union.
Sharma said that while adversaries may continue to employ terrorism as a strategy, the people of Jammu and Kashmir remain committed to peace and stability. He added that the region seeks to promote harmony and development despite persistent provocations.
The minister extended congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Home Minister Amit Shah, as well as the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and Jammu and Kashmir Police for their role in maintaining security.
Sharma also pointed to the participation of visitors and groups from different parts of the country in recent events across Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as reflective of growing confidence in the situation.
“The collective response of residents to security incidents sends a clear message that violence will not derail progress in the Union Territory,” he said.
The minister said that sporting events like Khelo India and the massive tourist influx post the Pahalgam incident reflect the resilience and confidence of the people of this valley amid challenges.
“Incidents like the one in Pahalgam will not derail efforts to promote peace, tourism, and youth engagement through sports. There are some countries that do not want to see peace and prosperity in J&K, but we will not let them succeed,” the sports minister said.
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